Hi, Cyclebrain!

This should make for some interesting "debate!"

At the low end, I see 500-600 hours mentioned alot with many "entry level "cartridges, like the Denon 103 or the Audio Technicas, but I'd venture that is just a "fashion" amount, and the real answer would be more like 2,500 hours.

I rotate cartridges now and again, but I have some from the seventies that still have pristine looking styli and the suspensions appear to be perfect.

So, I'm going to say 5,000 hours for a "good carrtidge," just to get the argument started.

Well, 3,500 to 6,500.

Cheers, amigo!

Quote:
I had always heard that I should replace the stylus yearly but looking at the prices of high end cartridges I am curious about their life span.

The obvious answer is to buy a low end cartridge. You can replace the stylus on a base line Grado for under $40.

I doubt that you'll have problems with excessive stylus wear. That, of course, depends upon many variables and the rule is often proven by the exceptions. The first variable would be the stylus profile you choose. Line contact styli are going to need replacement more often than a 2X7 mil. elliptical stylus. (In other words, if you have the deep pockets for the Ferrari, you shouldn't bitch about the cost of tires.) There are stylus and record "guards" that offer extended life to both items while not interferring with the sound quality. Just keeping the stylus clean will go a long way toward extending the life of your stylus and discs.

I'd tell you how long I had the same stylus in my Grado TLZ without any evidence of excessive wear but no one would believe me. I really didn't believe it myself.