New to Turntables

@wolfie62  

I have to admit that delving into the turntable arena is a lot more complicated that I had thought.

Back in the day, you just plugged the record player in, put the record on and hit play. Most were automatic when I was a kid. I later acquired a Technics turntable.  There wasn't an internet, so there wasn't any info on balancing, adjusting, calibrating or anything.  Since I worked in stereo sales, I knew enough to get a cartridge that could handle 20hz-20Khz and replaced the stock cartridge.

After doing research on what to do when my new player comes in...it's crazy.

I have to use a level to test all four corners of the player where I place it and ensure it's 100% level. Then balance the tone arm. Then use a protractor to align the cartridge. Then  balance the tone arm again. I am sweating from effort before I have even started. ;)

 The Ortofon 2m red can surpass 1000 hours of use.

No way, probably 600, it's an elliptical tip (not even nude).
1000 hrs is for shibata and related advanced profiles, but not for an elliptical. 
 
You will be disappointed after reading this article 

@chakster


Direct from Ortofon's website:

" Stylus lifetime: with proper care we find that up to 1000 hours is possible without degradation of performance. Please read about stylus care on our FAQ. "

That article is very informative, thx. Although, I do wonder how many people follow Jico's recommendation. That seems awfully short, especially if someone invested $10000 on a cartridge. One would have to start breaking down performance by dollar. Like, it might cost someone $25 to listen to an entire album (A and B side) based on wear/tear. ;) 

You should learn a bit about different stylus profiles, Micro Ridge stylus life span is ~2000 hrs, but this is the most expensive and most complicated stylus profile (just like Ortofon Replicant-100). But elliptical (and conical) are two cheapest profiles with very short life span. I’m giving you realistic numbers (600hrs for elliptical, 1000hrs for Shibata, 2000hrs for MicroRidge). If you want Ortofon cartridge look for higher morels than Red, look for the models with Shibata stylus. 

Personally, I wouldn't put any extra money in that turntable. You can buy a $450-500 turntable that comes with a better cartridge, no internal phono stage, no USB. Simpler and should sound better, too. Just my opinion.