The Hardest Naturally Occurring Substance on Earth

Do we need some marriage counseling here? If we get to the Jane Curtin-Chevy Chase banter, then I am definitely calling for a time out!  :)

So, the only way to check to see if one's stylus is at or nearing the end of life is to put in under a scope, correct?  Then if you have a turntable that doesn't have a removable head, in order to scope your stylus you need to remove the whole cartridge, correct?  Then, if you have to do that you need to re-install and re-calibrate your cartridge, which is time consuming (couple of hours or so), correct?  I can comfortably admit that I have a dickens of a time even seeing my stylus and cantilever reasonable well with the naked eye given my age related lenses.  Argh.  

Oh and if I may- the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth is lonsdaleite. 58% harder than diamond. https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16610-diamond-no-longer-natures-hardest-material/

@millercarbon Your post certainly progresses the context of this conversation.  NOT, again.

Shouldn’t you be able to hear it when the stylus is worn?  I mean, what’s the point in worrying otherwise? It takes a worried man to sing a worried song...🎶

"Then if you have a turntable that doesn't have a removable head, in order to scope your stylus you need to remove the whole cartridge, correct?"

Even if your turntable has a removable headshell, make sure it can fit under the microscope. Or just get a good-enough magnifying glass.