HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

Daniel Quinn wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 3:56 pm When I worked , I was a lawyer , not a materials specialist for Ortofon.

As a lawyer , I am conversant with the value of facts. There aren't any in cartridge ageing from what I can see.

I have to say that, as an engineer, I am unsurprised that cartridge ageing data isn't readily available.
To start with it will be proprietary information which the manufacturers wouldn't release.
Secondly, almost any dedicated regular user of vinyl is likely to monitor the use of their cartridge and either replace the stylus assembly, or return the whole cartridge to the manufacturer for stylus replacement, long before deterioration of the suspension becomes a problem. If the suspension has deteriorated the manufacturer will find it and repair as required.
Thirdly, if there were a problem it is quite likely that the manufacturer would replace the cartridge/stylus assembly free of charge.

The absence of evidence isn't evidence of absence as you well know. In engineering, we regard evidence of failure in one application as evidence of the possibility of failure in other, related, applications. Therefore, we can reasonably conclude that, if the suspension uses an elastomer material it will deteriorate with age. Obviously other suspension materials are available and they may not suffer such deterioration but, without evidence of what those materials may be, we must act on the possibility that deterioration and/or failure of the suspension is possible. It should be noted that some moving coil designs use a wire suspension. Wire, being metal, can suffer from metal fatigue. The absence of facts relating to suspension failure does not actually support the contention that it cannot, and does not, happen.

In 1954 metal fatigue was an almost unknown concept yet, once it was understood, the possibility was applied to many applications beyond the DH Comet.

Daniel Quinn wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 3:56 pm . There aren't any in cartridge ageing from what I can see.

Perhaps it’s better to listen instead of looking?

In the context of this debate your comment is absurd .

I owned a Dynavector moving coil cartridge that developed a low ride height after about 3 years of relatively heavy use. The manufacturer said it was suspension sag, which also caused the cantilever to move to one side. I was living in a warm fairly humid climate at the time which probably contributed.

My Argo playing record.



It looks OK to me but then I don't remember what it was like new.

Looks fine, the cantilever angle should usually be around 20 to 23 degrees to the record surface for most relatively new carts

Vinyl-ant wrote: ↑Tue Jan 17, 2023 11:26 am Looks fine, the cantilever angle should usually be around 20 to 23 degrees to the record surface for most relatively new carts

That's a relief then So much to learn I have.

The diamond is probably as mucky as a fold yard. I have nothing to magnify it and look. Plus all I have for cleaning is a brush and that Linn sand paper

For record cleaning all I have is one of them Disco antistat baths and a brush. Maybe I should eventually get something that can vacuum the crap off.

Daniel Quinn wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 3:56 pm As a lawyer , I am conversant with the value of facts. There aren't any in cartridge ageing from what I can see.

It appears that there is no shortage of evidence.
You might like to look here https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php ... on.856440/
or here https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/ ... e-repairs/
or here https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_f ... hp?t=27497
or here https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/ ... n-collapse
It took longer to copy and paste the links than to find the results, suspension problems aren't unknown and there is evidence, whether they are from ageing or abuse I'll leave for you to determine.

For cleaning stylii i have a goldring ultrasonic cleaner, the most common one is an audio technica at637 which mi dad has. There are also audiozomba ones available for about 20 quid.
I use a drop of either ipa or audio technica cleaning fluid on the cleaner brush on the goldring every so often.
Ive also used a cube of magic eraser sponge soaked in ipa or vodka. Lowered the stylus onto the cube with the arm lift and left it there for a while.

That method was used on properly nasty stylii on carts that werent worth alot of money, i got good results with it but id be abit wary of going that far with the lyra.
The ultrasonic cleaner and ipa works well.
Some companise say not to clean at all so check what lyra themselves say first

I found this guide quite helpful when I was looking into stylus cleaning: https://www.originlive.com/technical-su ... ge-stylus/