2. analog
  3. 149638-16074

Real world life expectancy of a high end cartridge?

While I know they’re supposed to last 1000 hours how many make it all that way?  

Question prompted by my brushing a knuckle on my AS Palladian this afternoon and trashing it ... lesson learned not to try tonearm adjustments without full access to the table (normally I move the table off the wall shelf to a more convenient location to make adjustments, but not this time 😬)

And doesn’t it just happen that the cost of a recipe/trade is exactly my deductible so even insurance is no help 😲

Anyway just needed to vent ... but anyone playing with these expensive baubles better be prepared to reup on a replacement at any moment 🤪
128x128folkfreak
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,788 posts
 
@wqgq_641, did you see my post on 7-4? Even after that, mijostyn continued to say Stylast is Freon. Repeat a lie enough and people will believe it? Works for some people, even those in high places.
audiosens
236 posts
 
According to Dynavector, my DV20x2H would last at least 1500 hours, and if it is well maintained, 2000 hours.  I also use Last or Nagaoka stylus treatment, every 10 LP, and stylus brush every LP, and vinyl brush at every side.  I also keep a record all my listening LP  session.  Mine still sounds good at 1300 hours
rollintubes
84 posts
 
My SoundSmith Helios is guaranteed for 10 years. Anything goes wrong and he'll rebuild it in about 10-14 days at no charge. He'll even re-tip if it needs a new stylus.
Rollin
cmbayko's avatar
cmbayko
2 posts
 

Thank you wqgq_641, This means so much to me to see.  I am getting ready to buy a $4000 ML Cartridge, and was hoping the Last Stlylast, will help me maintain and maximize its' life.  This will help me rest better!  Not saying they are the only game in town, but I think one that is reliable.  I'm older and this helps me; thank you for posting.

 

larryi
3,964 posts
 

I've had cartridges that made it easily to 2,000 hours.  I keep my records clean, which might, at least partially account for the lifespan.  Much of my collection has been treated with LAST.  Anyone who has used LAST knows that it is not true that it is merely composed of freon and will evaporate completely.  Put some on a record and you will see the residue.  At the first play of a record, you might even see fine "dust" that is the residue from deep inside the groove.  A LAST treated record will be less prone to building up a static charge, and if you run any sort of brush against the surface, you will notice a much lower level of friction--it has lubricating properties.  Having not done any sort of rigorous testing, I have no idea on whether or not LAST improves record life or the life of the cartridge, but, to say it does nothing is flat out wrong.  

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