Wayne Parham Messages: 18754 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
All my life, I've replaced my turntable stylus when I "felt" it was time. I've just guessed about stylus quality, really. So there's no telling how bad I've let my needles get before swapping them.
I've decided to check the needles myself with a microscope. So I've ordered one and it should be here within the week. I understand that what I'm looking for are flat spots on each side, where the diamond contacts the groove.
I'll post photos of what I see. I have a couple brand-new needles, one that's elliptical and another that's shibata. I also have a couple of worn needles, again an elliptical and a shibata. So this will allow me to compare a new shape to a worn shape. Should be interesting!