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To guard stylus or not?

I’ve not had good results with stylus guards. Recently ruined a perfectly good cartridge (ruby cantilever, nude contact line stylus) trying to install the stylus protection. My revised approach going forward is to use the stylus guard only when moving or adjusting the arm/table. For normal record playing, I will leave the guard off. I think it’s safer that way.
Thoughts?
cakids
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
I never realized audiophiles were so anal retentive. 
rdk777's avatar
rdk777
580 posts
 
ZYX has the worst stylus guard - hard to get on and off.  So don't use.  Might use if it was designed properly.
bpoletti
1,566 posts
 
No stylus guard unless turntable maintenance is required and / or there’s a cartridge change.


tooblue
2,004 posts
 
My favorite cartridge, which I run 90% of the time in my main system, is a ZYX Universe and I have never had an issue with installing the stylus guard on it.
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi,
anal retentive for expensive cartridges?
I have destroyed a Clearaudio Delta S and that did hurt.
ZYX guard is awkward but use it when cleaning the table.
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