Are 500 hours too many for a used hi-end cartridge?

chakster

... many audiogon users claimed they're fine with cartridges with 500hrs on it even if the profile is conical, they do believe "it is well polished".

And that's just fine if they're happy! I expect to get high performance from LP, so I wouldn't be happy with a conical stylus even if it was brand new. Conical styli have multiple issues, including that they just can't reproduce HF properly.

I'm fine with used vintage records purchased not from audiophiles, but from the record dealers and private collectors (if the condition is strong VG+ or better). Still better than 99% of the reissues.  

I've had great luck buying used records, too. I'm not sure if they're as superior to modern reissues as you claim   - I have found great recordings and pressings from every era of recorded music. (Of course, the '70s with its oil shortage was the worst. But even then ... )

Seems that you guys don't listen mono records.

@chakster Before you call someone’s statement as questionable, look at what you are going to write first. Your post about a conical stylus is comical.

@bukanona I own a number of mono records, some of them are just about unlistenable...because they have been played in the past with a worn out cartridge. Just because it is a mono recording does not stop it from getting damaged in the first play by that worn out stylus.

@daveyf @cleeds

Haha, everyone on this forum aware that i hate conical styli (and never use them myself), but i just said what other people often posted about it here on audiogon.

I must say i do not believe that stylus with 500 hrs on it can destroy any LP with simple play at correct VTF. This is not a gramophone needle, so common ...

I’m currently buying James Brown records made in the 70’s from the original mastertape in JAPAN by Polydor K.K. in SAL74 System Sound Revolution series. This is by far the best ever pressing of James Brown and nothing can beat it, reissues are very bad. Everything on Polydor K.K. is better than US original Polydor pressing. It was a huge label. But Japanese knew how to make records in the 70’s better. This is just one example of the superior pressing from the mid 70's. 

I was thinking why do they call it SAL74 ?
SAL74 is cutting amp for Neumann Lathe, anyone can comment on it ?

chakster

... i do not believe that stylus with 500 hrs on it can destroy any LP with simple play at correct VTF.

The number of hours on a stylus is only one factor to assess. Cartridges that were not properly aligned when new often result in styli that are worn unevenly. Styli that were used to play dirty records are also subject to accelerated wear, and then of course there's the potential of damage just from mishandling.

If you're happy buying used cartridges with supposedly 500 hours on them, be my guest! But I don't buy used cartridges or used tires, and for many of the same reasons.