Stylus Wear Question

If you have Replican 100 stylus and you are the first owner of this cartridge then you can roughly count an hrs of use, the Replicant 100 can be used for 2000 hrs at least. If you like the sound - do not worry, this stylus profile must have a long life-span (if you followed manufacturer’s recommendations regarding optimal tracking force and antiskating). I think it will be fair to say 2500 hrs life-span.

Been playing records since the 1970's. Brush dirt off the stylus after every side. If it sounds good it is good. 

Murphy's law: Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.

Millercarbon's Corollary: Turntable testing expands to fill the time available for listening to music.

Lots of good information.   Thanks all.

Best to get a microscope, but it takes some time getting used to. I bought a Dino-Lite AM4515zt on Ebay for $250.  I still can't take the really nice high resolution pictures like some of the ads here on Agon, but its good enough for me to see the wear - more practice required, I guess. When you send in the cart for an inspection, with shipping/insurance, costs can add up.  Also, some may not send you a magnified image and you'll just have to take their word for it - not worth it IMO.

Ortofon does very little for you.  When I was having issues with my Anna cartridge, they basically said the same thing where a trade-in was the only option. A bunch of wahoos, if you ask me.

from my experience, the key to a good picture with a USB microscope is an adjustable but rigid stand to reduce vibrations and ease the movement into the correct position.  
I haven’t found a great one yet…