The question should be how long do some parts of a phono cartridge last because those are basically what wear out in a phono cartridge, the phono cartridge doesn’t really wear out. The wear and tear in the components and parts can make one decide to change the whole of the phono cartridge over time.
Most importantly, the Phono cartridges stylus is a major component that determines the lifespan of the cartridge. The stylus can last up to at least 1000 hours of playing time, When wearing out, it tends to mistrack and produce low-quality bass. This happens when the bushing hardens over many years, used or unused.
Moreso, the model of the cartridge will also determine the lifespan of the phono cartridge as some models have better performance and longevity than others in the same category. When a phono cartridge starts to wear, the effect begins with the needle which tends to play repeated sounds. There is general disembodiment of sound after this stage which produces a flat and degraded signal.
Another point to be considered is usage and maintenance. The device deteriorates fast and easily when exposed to dust without proper cleaning. It may be hard to get some of the faulty parts especially for old models whose parts are hard to come by. This may eventually mean changing the whole of the cartridge. Basically, it is important to avoid dust on the device and clean it appropriately to elongate its lifespan.
To answer such questions like do phono cartridges wear out or how long does it take for a phono cartridge to break in? The stylus is basically the component that wears out coupled with faults from other components. The stylus carries up to ninety percent of the price of a new cartridge that users could just decide to go for a brand new cartridge rather than going through the stress of fixing a faulty stylus. A stylus can last for up to 1000 hours depending on how well records are played on it.
Factors That Affect The Lifespan Of A Phono Cartridge
- Stylus shape and composition
- The tracking force
- Crystal Orientation
- Vinyl Condition
- Maintenance
- Usage
The simple way to ascertain the extent of wear of a phono cartridge is by listening to the record. Visual scrutiny might show some wear but faults and problems are most evident from listening. Depending on usage and treatment, it is possible for some cartridges to last even more than 2000 hours.