Worn or damaged stylus

[oldleodensian]

I have bought a 2nd hand project turntable with an ortofon 10 stylus with allegedly very little use.

I have tentatively played a few LPs and found it sounds great, but how would I know if it was worn or damaged?

Can I safely carry on using this stylus without risking damage to my vinyl?

 

[seasiders rock]

with the naked eye you cant see, any distortion or miss tracking ?

or head to a friendley dealer who does vinyl and get it checked with a microscope.

failing that a good m/m is not going to break the bank, ortofon, audio technica, nagoaka etc...your call.

 

[oldleodensian]

Tracks fine, and so far with the few tracks I've played, it sounds ok. Just wondered if a damaged stylus would sound diferent, or would play ok but then leave the vinyl damaged, only to sound poor when later played with a new stylus.

 

[survivor]

Very gently drag the stylus across your fingertip (fingerprint side) and see if it leaves a slight scratch. If it doesn`t it`s probably worn or dirty.

 

[Anonymous]

oldleodensian:Tracks fine, and so far with the few tracks I've played, it sounds ok. Just wondered if a damaged stylus would sound diferent, or would play ok but then leave the vinyl damaged, only to sound poor when later played with a new stylus.

I would definately get the stylus checked with a microscope. If the stylus is worn or damaged it will tend to cause more and more damage to the record with each play. By the time you hear it, it will be too late