Interesting information from Analog Planet on Stylus Cleaner Onzow Zero Dust.

Yeah, I was thinking maybe it could affect SQ via added tip mass. And since rigidity is key in this part of the assembly to accurately transmit vibrations, any compliant/damping goop on there could slightly "muddy" the transmission. But beyond that, the pics mostly seem to show the accumulated goop on the stylus shank, not the actual contact lines of the tip (the cantilever crap looks more like a total failure to clean up there). Maybe the tip is actually "clean enough" as far as groove contact goes? But the question on stylus life is a good one.

Either way, a good cleaning regimen would keep all bits - tip, shank, and cantilever shiny clean like new, which must result in the best playback performance. Don’t ONLY use the Onzow or DS Audio pads.

OK, boys & girls, here's the response I received yesterday from Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab:

"We still recommend the classic – LP#9 Stylus Cleaner with an appropriate stylus brush. While we definitely understand the anxiety that comes with having to make any contact on a nice stylus, as long as you are brushing the tip lightly from back to front a couple times there is no risk of damaging the stylus. You have to consider that the tonearm itself puts as much or more pressure on the stylus with daily use – they are definitely fragile, but as long as you are following the proper cleaning technique there is nothing to fear!

I personally don’t have much experience using any of the “gel in a tiny tin” cleaners so I can’t speak much as to their effectiveness compared to a cleaner and brush, but if you are worried about damage from using those then I firmly believe the “if it aint broke, don’t fix it” mantra applies here. Hope this clarifies, let us know if you still had any other questions!

Customer Service

Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab"

Kind of assumed they would recommend their LP#9 which, BTW, the Music Direct website states is "both a stylus cleaner and a stylus preservative". It's not clear, to me, what "preservative" really means in this case (e.g. putting or leaving behind some sort of chemical coating on the stylus or just the inference that a clean stylus helps preserve or prolong its useful life). Can't imagine it would be the former because the Music Direct website also states it "contains a Mil Spec IPA (Isopropyl alcohol)".

I don't blame MoFi for not wanting to wade into this one. A very reserved and measured response, with a sales pitch too, lol!

He's right though, in pointing out that too many audiophiles are too skittish about applying proper brushing. And in comparing that to the (usually greater) forces it encounters during normal playback. Again, watch a stylus slam into the 1st music groove after being dropped in the outer lead groove of a spinning 12" 45 RPM. 

For what it's worth, even though I will absolutely hate going back to using a stylus brush, with or without cleaning fluid, distilled water, purified water, alien Elixer or whatever, I'm now doing some research on liquid stylus cleaners. I asked Music Direct what "both a stylus cleaner and a stylus preservative" meant with regard to Mobile Fidelity's LP#9 liquid cleaner. They responded by saying this solution does not leave behind any kind of coating on the stylus. So, apparently, the mention of "preservative" alludes to the fact that a clean stylus will last longer. LAST Stylus Cleaner basically advertises the same effect but, unlike LP#9, they say their solution does not contain alcohol. They also say their solution removes the most stubborn crud. Mobile Fidelity and The Last Factory are two authoritative sources I have the utmost respect for. I was going to add Michael Fremer to that list, too, because of his support for Audio Intelligent Stylus Cleaner. However, after this latest half *** stunt of his in Analog Planet, he's gone down a couple notches in my pantheon of trusted sources, if you know what I mean.

@oldaudiophile 

Yep, if I take anything from this saga, it's that a liquid stylus cleaner is good to have in the toolkit. I'm not intending to use it daily or weekly - but maybe every once in a while, and definitely to clear up accumulation on previously used styli - I think it's a good idea to have on hand. I just ordered some Last cleaner. Heck I ordered some Stylast too, though I'm not sure yet which cartridge I want to try it on.