How long do a cartridge and stylus last?

[Gardo]

Forgive me if this has been asked before, but I've been using my vinyl rig more lately for needle drops, so inquiring minds want to know.

In my own case, the cartridge and stylus are about 18 years old. They got moderate use for about 7 years, and light to very-light use thereafter. Oh yes, it's a Shure V15 Type V MR.

I know the elastomeric (sp?) bearings/bushings can wear, and I know styli can wear too (though I once knew a radio engineer who swore a diamond stylus would never wear out), but how long does it take?

Thanks,
Gardo

[Todd Fredericks]

You have to look at a cart's life in terms of hours of play. Normally, a well-cared for cart should last up to 2,500-3,000 hours.

Todd

[Grant]

I read that 3-5 years was a good yardstick, depending on how much your cart is used.

[Gardo]

Just out of curiosity, I went to the Shure site. A goldmine of information. Turns out that a cartridge body can last up to 50 years (!). The stylus, they say, lasts 500-800 hours of play. At the upper end of that recommendation, and figuring I've used the TT an average of 2 hours/week over the past 18 years (sorry--CD is my primary playback), that means, well, it's time for a new stylus!

Gardo

[Stax Fan]

Gardo,

Whoa...a diamond stylus will definitely wear! You'll see and hear all kinds of estimations as to the typical life of a stylus. Of course, stretching quality performance from your stylus is positively correlated to proper maintenance (i.e. alignment and cleaning...clean the stylus for every side of an LP). However, don't forget it's equally important to keep your LPs clean! There are differences in the purity of diamond tips, and this will be reflected in the life of a given stylus. Synthetic diamonds, like those used in Shure cartridges, will last 1,000 hours at most. Natural diamonds can last as long as 3,000 hours. Go with Shure's recommendation. As for cartridge life, I think 50 years is pretty optimistic. For moving coil cartridges, the elastomer suspension will dry and become brittle far sooner than that...more like 6 or 8 years depending upon your climate (temperature, humidity, etc). For moving magnet cartridges, this is less of an issue. When you change the stylus in a moving magnet cartridge, the suspension is also changed. Thus, a moving magnet cartridge will last longer than a moving coil cartridge. Some argue that the magnets of a moving magnet cartridge lose their zip over time. Beats me...I never had one that long.

[Gardo]

Since the Shure V15VMR is moving magnet, Shure's 50-yr. estimate is credible, so I'll be getting a replacement stylus this time. I am tempted by the new cartridge, though, especially since the V15VxMR (replaces my cartridge, which is discontinued) can be had from J&R Music World for 229.00. Maybe next time?

Thanks for the "tips" (sorry, couldn't resist).

Gardo

[Stax Fan]

Gardo,

Didn't mean to imply YOUR cartridge needed to be replaced...it's not THAT old. Glad to hear your transferring vinyl...nice option to have!