Stylus Life
Stylus life is the manufacturer’s estimate of how many playing hours a stylus should last under its stated conditions.
It measures time spent playing records, not years since purchase.
Stylus Life — Cartridge
Use the figure to plan checks and replacement by keeping track of playing hours. “Approximately” and “up to” are estimates, not a guarantee that the stylus remains safe until that point.
Compare figures for the actual stylus models and their stated use and care conditions. Clean records and a clean stylus reduce wear. Use the recommended tracking force: the downward force on the stylus. Excessive force can shorten stylus life.
A worn tip can impair sound and damage records. If sound becomes distorted before the quoted hours, check the stylus and setup rather than waiting. Distortion alone does not prove wear; dirt and incorrect setup can also cause it.
Sources
- FAQ: stylus lifetime, care and distortion — Ortofon
- VMN60SLC user manual: estimated stylus life — Audio-Technica
- AT-LPW40WN/AT-LPW30TK manual: stylus care and replacement — Audio-Technica
- When to replace the stylus of your phono cartridge? — Ortofon