While many manufacturers recommend a few hours of playback, there are also several reasons why a cartridge should be broken in sooner. The most common reason is to reduce wear and tear. This can cause small differences in the performance of a newly purchased cartridge.
In most cases, a phono cartridge needs around thirty hours to break in before it can start to sound its best. While it’s important to set up your new cartridge correctly, you should wait a few days to avoid any unwanted noises or sound effects. This is because a brand-new cartridge will have to break in before it can start producing high-quality sound. During this time, it is vital that you do not overdo it and risk damaging the cartridge.
When you buy a new cartridge like Denon DL-110, make sure to allow it a little time to break-in. Generally, a new cartridge will sound better after about 30 hours of use. A stylus or needle is a delicate part of the cartridge and can last up to 1000 hours. You can replace the stylus or needle on most MM cartridges. If you find your new phono cartridge is not quite right for your system, a replacement stylus is a next step.
When a new phono cartridge is new, it will take at least a week to break it in. After a month, the initial sound will be more consistent and pleasant. You’ll hear an improvement in the sound after this time. It might take up to a year for the stylus to break in if it’s used often. You’ll need to replace the stylus after a few hundred hours. Obviously, Jockeys tend to use the turntables more after the break-in of the cartridges, and that tends to wear out the stylus more than ever, However, how long can the phono cartridges last depends on the manufacturers. Some makers actually recommend that the Stylus be replaced after 150-200 hours of playing while others are of the belief that it could last up to 1000 hours with proper care. The first signal is given by the sound, which will be flatter than ever before the phono cartridge goes bad.
The most important step is to get the cartridge adjusted. Most pre-fitted cartridges need to be broken in before they sound their best. The next step is to adjust the arm and the needle, which will help to prevent the cartridge from slipping out of alignment. If you’re buying a pre-fitted phono cartridge, you’ll need to make sure it’s in the right place.
A cartridge’s break-in time depends on its manufacturer. Some cartridges need a few hundred hours to break in, while others require more than that. If you’re using a new phono cartridge, it’s recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Likewise, you’ll need to clean the cartridge frequently to ensure the best sound quality. When the cartridge is broken in, it will soften the initial sound.
