The Hardest Naturally Occurring Substance on Earth

If you have a decent LP collection, you might play any one particular LP 4-5 times a year, if it's one of your top favorites.  On the other hand, every second of listening to LPs is courtesy of the diamond tip tracing a groove.  Compared to any single LP, the diamond gets a lot more playing time. That's why diamond tips eventually wear out, and LPs generally don't if you take good care of them.  Also, the typical stylus is made from industrial diamonds which may or may not be as hard as a natural stone.  I personally don't worry about bad LPs damaging the stylus, per se.

Actually the record groove is 1/3 mile long. Yes, I had to look it up. 👀

@uberwaltz   Check out the tread about "Two Turntables. Why?"  In that thread there are many folks who decide which turntable to play the LP on based on the condition of the LP.  Poorer quality LPs are played on more affordable turntables and cartridges.

Buy a SoundSmith and forget to about it.

Interesting OP.
I am afraid I do not count myself in that group even though I have two TT set up in my rig.
One is mono, the other stereo and thats it.