2. analog
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How many plays can you get out of a good record?

I haven't seen this question posed in the Audiogon forums, but I have seen many answers on generic audio sites, that say a record can be expected to last for "hundreds" of plays before any sonic degradation is noted, if well cared for. 

I'm wondering if they might last even longer with modern audiophile styli / styluses, which track at around 1.8 grams.  Does anyone have any real experience or knowledge about the longevity of records in such a scenario?  (If records only last 100-200 plays before some degradation, then this means that playing a record once a week could be at least partially deteriorated in two to four years, which is a real shame.)  

drbond
lewm
13,110 posts
 

In the 1980s when many of the best cartridges were MM or MI types, I’d guess the average VTF was somewhat lower than it is today or not higher at least.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,629 posts
 

Use StyLast

imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,205 posts
 

ELP Laser Turntable, No contact = No wear

terry9
2,342 posts
 

I have a record which has been played extensively - hundreds of times on a low fi system, and many hundreds on a high end setup. It has been ultrasonically cleaned.

I also have a sealed copy of the same record, played only a few times. There is little difference - similar enough that you cannot differentiate them unless cuts are played alternately.

I also have an audiophile record which has lost its lustre over some hundreds of playings on a high end system. So I guess the answer is, "depends". 

 

blackbag20
468 posts
 

348,487,002

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