2. misc-audio
  3. 139824-110858

Onzow Stylus Tip Cleaner

I ordered a Onzow ZeroDust stylus tip cleaner to use with an Ortofon Quintet Black.  I'd read somewhere that certain chemicals in the product could cause the stylus tip to come loose from the cantilever, so I sent an email to Ortofon support asking about that.  This was the response:

I’ve heard of a few instances of the Onzow taking the stylus off because it’s very sticky. I recall a rumor where someone using on Onzow (albeit not with our cartridge) had the stylus come off at a trade show.

To be absolutely safe, I’d recommend the use of a dry brush only, as we note in the owners manual.

The ZeroDust packing has "HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by ortofon" on the insert card.  I sent that information to Ortofon support, who asked me for a picture of the card which I sent.

In lieu of the Ortofon supplied stylus brush, I've been using Blu-Tack which works well.  But the ZeroDust cleaner got such good reviews, I thought I'd give it a try.  Anyway, has anyone experienced problems using the ZeroDust product?  

128x128oldschool1948
rhljazz
1,255 posts
 
I use it.  Same cartridge as you.  No problems.  In use for a couple of years.  Gotta be careful though as you must lift the tone arm high enough to clear the container, set down and lift gently making sure not to snag the cantilever returning the arm to its rest.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,472 posts
 
I've used BluTack and Magic Eraser.....both do a good job if used properly.  BluTack was recommended by Soundsmith who didn't recommend Magic Eraser.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,821 posts
 
Another is RTOM Moongel, a drumhead damping product. Available real cheap at Guitar Center.
blueranger's avatar
blueranger
719 posts
 
I threw mine away after gunk built up on my stylus that just would not come off. Yeah that stuff is sticky alright!! Right before I sent my Ortofon Cadenza Bronze to SS for a rebuild this year I scrubbed and scrubbed much more vigorously than otherwise because it didn't matter. I raked it with the ME which you are not supposed to do since the stylus could be yanked off. I never got all of it off. I used Magic Eraser and a stylus brush. I now use Last stylast cleaner with ME and brush. I wont use that gunk again. It migrated up my stylus when I dipped too deep. My 2 new cartridges I got this August are super clean. Wiser now.
chayro
2,997 posts
 
Using it for years with no problems.  But, as with anything to do with stylus cleaning, you have to be careful not to move the cleaner while the stylus is on it.  Just down and straight up.  Also, I basically just use it between sides, but then use a liquid cleaner after a record or two in order to get whatever buildup is left. 
More to discover