2. analog
  3. 155864-86151

How to know when an audio component has degraded?

Aside from a catastrophic failure or an obvious issue such as a buzz, hum or static problem, how do we know when a component in the audio chain degrades?  My question centers on a simple yet delicate component - the phono cartridge.  I'm currently using a 4 year old Dynavector DV20x2.  It has been a great cartridge but I wonder if it has degraded in any way.  My perception is a slight loss of high frequency resolution but I have been listening to a lot of digital lately and wonder if the cartridge output has changed or if my expectation has changed in some way.  The question could apply to any component in the audio chain.  Lets face it, audio components are complex and our ability to differentiate subtle changes over time diminishes as well.  A slight drift in the frequency response of a component or a more complex problem such as a phase shift that varies with output level is very difficult to quantify.  We want to think our equipment remains stable for a long time after we make the purchase but in reality, everything in the system is in some state of change.  I am posting this as an analog question since I am looking for a way to know if the performance of my phono cartridge has deteriorated.  Some will suggest tracking the hours of use but that says very little about how it sounds.  Some may even suggest having a reference component to compare.  That method may be too expensive for most and certainly inconvenient for all.  As far as the cartridge goes there are no suitable, by that I mean practical ways of maintaining a reference.  The same is true for every component in our systems.  It may in part explain why we tend to change components out so often.  Is it that "we" simply get tired of the sound we have and at times a different component sounds better or is it that our components got tired and "we" as the ultimate reference noted the change.  I guarantee a truly great system will sound great for a while.
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millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Far as I can tell the vast majority never put in the work to find the good components in the first place. Then of the ones that do only a small number of those put in the work to get the most out of those components. I'm talking about the work of precise setup and extensive use of accessories and tweaks. 

So yes of course "we" get dissatisfied and flip components. Usually in only a tiny fraction of their useful life, and long before any really noticeable degradation sets in. 

There is of course another way. A lot of the stuff in this system is well over 10 years old. The turntable and its rack, the speaker cable, speakers, power conditioner, and all the BDR are over 15 years old. All of it not only not degraded, but actually improved thanks to effective use of a range of tweaks and mods.
https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367

Rather than worry about theoretical degradation I'm not hearing, what I do is go after actual performance improvements that can be heard easily. One inch of fo.Q tape on your tone arm and you will know it was worth it. There's about a hundred square inches on a $40 package. There's even better stuff than that, but nobody talks about it.

Anyway, point is, its amazing how much potential there is hidden away in your system. But that's just me. Imaginary schemes to test things no one is even hearing bores me to tears. I'd much rather spend my time achieving, what was it Mike said? Oh yeah, "audiophile nirvana."

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
It's pretty easy with a phono cartridge: if your setting is correct you can use a cartridge with recommended tracking force only for the limited amount of hours (depends on the stylus profile), this is what stated in the manual. 

You have to inspect your cartridge under microscope or you can send it for inspection to professionals if it was in use for 300-500hrs. 

Stylus wear is a problem, you'd better know how long you're using your cartridge. 

If you're not trained to inspect stylus tip under microscope you can at least check it by ears on well known records, it is better if you have more than one sample (or at least different cartridges) which is nice to compare to each other. 

If you notice high frequency roll-off you have to clean your stylus first with a brush, then with Onzow or something like that , also possible with ultrasonic signal on cardas LP for example. 

If you are not happy with MC cartridge simply buy another one, they do not last forever, maybe it's time to. If you have MM/MI then put a new stylus and compare. 

But if you want to make sure simply send it to SoundSmith or somebody else (like ExpertStylus)  for inspection, it's about $40-60 if i remember correct. 


tablejockey
3,915 posts
 
uh simple...

you have a  4 year old cart. If your favorite records are starting to sound off, and those 4 years mean some consistent use, good chance the stylus is telling you it's nearing retirement.

Look for an upgrade. Good chances are, you may find it or something nicer for a good deal now. 

All these dealers  now are sitting on inventory they can't afford to let sit on the shelves.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,300 posts
 
That is a really good question.  Equipment does age and perform differently over time not always for the better. 

The best way to know what might be missing is always have references available ie listen to other things.   Live music, other good systems, whatever, as much as possible, and compare.  
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