This is a great article and I think these are details that people who are just getting into record collecting typically don’t factor in. Records are great but they are high maintenance - meaning they need to be kept clean and the turntable and stylus all need to function properly.
I replaced my stylus not too long ago and I’m always checking to make sure it’s angled properly and that no dust has accumulated on it. That little needle is the lifeline of your record collection. Look out for it.
Thank you, Chris, for your comment and your kind words! I completely agree with you: many collectors tend to overlook this tiny detail. A shit stylus is guaranteed to make our records sound like shit! 🤣
If and when I get into vinyl (once we’ve found a new house and got settled) I’ll have to come down to London and we can chat tech specs and go browsing/shopping together. Presumably there are brick and mortar stores in London where we can see and/or hear hi-fi equipment? An awful lot of research and opinion-gathering for me to do before then though.
Absolutely! Yes, there are Richer Sounds in Holborn is great (they have other branches in other locations too). It pays off to take your time to find out what's available, do some research, and "test drive" some equipment. Count me in!
Whew....this one took me a while to read....I must admit, Andy, I'm not the most rabbit of readers! And, I always love your V.O.s!
You mention this in a reply elsewhere here, and I was curious: If someone wants to make some money back (and then invest in a newer stylus), and sell their still-decent stylus to someone, how does that someone know (or check) its condition? I suppose if selling to a dealer of some sort, that person would have a magnifier to see how much wear it's endured. But, having never done it, how would one enter the secondary market, safely, with a stylus (either buying or selling)?
As I think I've told you before, my growing-up stereo equipment was Dad-delivered, and I never really thought to update or buy anything (thru age 18...starting my life anew away from home was a different story...had to buy my own). He gave me a micro-fiber cloth, and I just made sure all the records were given a good once-over before playing! But, regardless of my ill-advised stylus care, I'm all for your encouraging every bunny to tend to their styli!
I'm titling my comment, "The Carrot Feeding of Your Stylus"!
Thank you, Brad! Special thanks for listening! Here’s a gift for you… in the shape of the fluffiest, cuddliest bunny you’ve ever seen! 🐰♥️
Great question about stylus reselling. I think anyone who decides to resell their stylus would need to get it assessed in terms of lifespan and, if possible, appraised (even if a rough estimate). Michael Fell mentioned above he can do this in one of his regular vinyl hunting spots, which I think makes the whole thing easier and more achievable.
I love when you talk about vinyl life in the good old days. I am of the opinion that vinyl needed a lot less maintenance back then because, for starters, people were spinning all the time, so records and systems got less dusty. Records were manufactered properly, so you had less of that annoying static so common with new records (not saying you guys didn’t have any static at all, but I have a feeling it was more manageable).
I also think now post revival there’s a lot more technical info available which goes hand in hand with some of the low quality records and equipment so common these days. There’s more choice, sure, but more work involved in many cases! I wasn’t born in the 60s or 70s but believe me when I say I “miss” those years!
Thanks a lot for reading and commenting and for sharing your unique insights in my humble Vinyl Room!
Thanks for all that....much appreciated! Thanks, too, for the fluffy bunny....when I was a youth minister, late-'80s in L.A., I discovered this fun game we'd play during youth nights or lock-ins: It was called.......wait for it........"Fluffy Bunny"--to the sadistic glee of their youth minister, the kids would go around the circle, and each time 'round, they'd add a large marshmallow in their mouth, and say, "fluffy bunny."
Easy to do, until you get 3, 5...and, 8 'mallows in your mouth (as we'd go around the circle adding one at a time), and then saying "fluffy bunny" becomes nigh unto impossible! Can you imagine the gales of laughter?!? Can you imagine the choking scares?!?😂
I wish I could tell you I could be sadistic enough to have conjured that one, but alas, they actually have resources that have similar games for such...........wait for it........shenanigans! One monthly mag was called "Group Magazine." I'd love to know if it's still available, but it was aimed specifically for church and church-type youth groups.
I read Michael's comment, but must've missed his stylus sales strategy. That makes sense. At some point, I reckon, a magnifying glass/device has to come into play.
I think you're right about vinyl back in my day: As virtually our only delivery system, we almost played records so exclusively, we gave dust no chance to settle! I also sort of see (now, in hindsight) Dad as being less of an audiophile (with all the attendant interest and knowledge in hi-fi equipment and such), than an avid record collector/music fan! And, I'm sure I fall far more into that niche, as well! I just wanted to get to the music within the grooves....I cared little about the tech that got it there! Bose this, Klipsch that....it was all geek Greek to me! I was like a vinyl junkie, just wanting to melt down the plastic to quickly inject it into my veins, with, of course, a quality.............needle! All while well-dressed, y'know...I wanted to by as stylus as possible when spinning vinyl!
Having said all that, Dad knew enough about the tools to make sure he was equipped with an impressive system, and he gave me a system that was certainly top-enough-notch to make me happy! I really wish I could remember the brand names of the components we had, but Dad wouldn't compromise, I know that!
That game with the marshmallows is hilarious! Proper shenanigans... I love that! We should try it some day 🤣
Yes, indeed: from what Michael was saying, a magnifying glass is definitely involved in the process.
I hear what you say on the "audiophile v. music lover" dichotomy. As I often like to say, I started with the music, got lost in the equipment, and found the music again (fortunately!). I still enjoy "playing" or "experimenting" with sound a little bit here and there, just because I find it really cool, but I don't let it distract me from the music.
I can imagine you all dressed up, spinning vinyl in stylus mode! I wasn't expecting any less! 😎
And, the cleaner the records, the longer the stylus will last. I have mentioned this before - I have an Ortofon 2M Bronze. It is not the cheapest, but it is an investment I am willing to make, as it is a very precise, detailed stylus that pulls remarkable clarity out of the grooves. It is also quite forgiving, which is great as I buy mostly used LPs. I clean my records (I just cleaned half a dozen yesterday) and always give them a brush with a carbon fiber brush before they go on the platter. I also regularly clean my stylus with either Last or Mofi stylus cleaner. All of this helps prolong the life of one's stylus.
Regarding the cartridge, it is an individual choice, and not every turntable is the same. I have a 1972 Thorens TD 160, which is a suspension turntable. I have had other cartridges on it, but they didn't track or lock into the grooves like my Ortofon. In an old house with wood floors and two dogs, this is an essential detail. The Ortofon doesn't skip a beat even if both dogs excitedly run past my setup at their dinner time.
Lastly, a good tip to make back the money you spend on your stylus - if your older stylus still has some life on it (or if replacing cartridges), you can probably sell it on eBay! I always keep one as a backup, but I have sold others that still had many hours on their life (my stereo shop has a microscope, and can guesstimate the remainder of life/hours one can get, which I post in the listing). Often, they have sold on the first day of listing them!
Thank you, Michael! Absolutely agree that clean records are sine qua non. It’s just that, typically, there’s a lot more coverage on the subject of cleaning, and not a lot (or at least not enough) on all things stylus.
I’ve had a look at your Ortofon 2M Bronze as your description sounded very similar to my microline and I can see they are quite similar. I also love that clarity in the sound.
Good tip about reselling old styli while still in decent condition. Not only does it help the seller make some money back, but it’s also a great opportunity for collectors on a lower budget to upgrade to a higher-quality stylus without breaking the bank. Win-win.
Very true about the amount of coverage and videos there are on record cleaning and the various systems/machines, etc.
As you point out, the investment in a good cartridge and stylus is always worth it. And there are very good cartridges out there for every budget that won't break the bank (sticking with the Ortofon 2M series—the Red is a solid cartridge that can be bought for under $100). However, you always get what you pay for, and with a cartridge and stylus, the rewards of paying more are definitely worth it!
This is so spot on. I often see some collectors who could easily afford an upgrade but are reluctant to make the investment as they are not sure whether it is worth it. Once they jump into the pool and notice the difference in sound straightaway, they can’t believe it took them so long 😂
This is a great article and I think these are details that people who are just getting into record collecting typically don’t factor in. Records are great but they are high maintenance - meaning they need to be kept clean and the turntable and stylus all need to function properly.
I replaced my stylus not too long ago and I’m always checking to make sure it’s angled properly and that no dust has accumulated on it. That little needle is the lifeline of your record collection. Look out for it.
Thank you, Chris, for your comment and your kind words! I completely agree with you: many collectors tend to overlook this tiny detail. A shit stylus is guaranteed to make our records sound like shit! 🤣
If and when I get into vinyl (once we’ve found a new house and got settled) I’ll have to come down to London and we can chat tech specs and go browsing/shopping together. Presumably there are brick and mortar stores in London where we can see and/or hear hi-fi equipment? An awful lot of research and opinion-gathering for me to do before then though.
Absolutely! Yes, there are Richer Sounds in Holborn is great (they have other branches in other locations too). It pays off to take your time to find out what's available, do some research, and "test drive" some equipment. Count me in!
Boys and their toys, I'll tell ya.
I picks the record, I cleans the record, I plays the record, I puts the record back. Repeat as necessary.
Lol exactly! 🤣
Whew....this one took me a while to read....I must admit, Andy, I'm not the most rabbit of readers! And, I always love your V.O.s!
You mention this in a reply elsewhere here, and I was curious: If someone wants to make some money back (and then invest in a newer stylus), and sell their still-decent stylus to someone, how does that someone know (or check) its condition? I suppose if selling to a dealer of some sort, that person would have a magnifier to see how much wear it's endured. But, having never done it, how would one enter the secondary market, safely, with a stylus (either buying or selling)?
As I think I've told you before, my growing-up stereo equipment was Dad-delivered, and I never really thought to update or buy anything (thru age 18...starting my life anew away from home was a different story...had to buy my own). He gave me a micro-fiber cloth, and I just made sure all the records were given a good once-over before playing! But, regardless of my ill-advised stylus care, I'm all for your encouraging every bunny to tend to their styli!
I'm titling my comment, "The Carrot Feeding of Your Stylus"!
Thank you, Brad! Special thanks for listening! Here’s a gift for you… in the shape of the fluffiest, cuddliest bunny you’ve ever seen! 🐰♥️
Great question about stylus reselling. I think anyone who decides to resell their stylus would need to get it assessed in terms of lifespan and, if possible, appraised (even if a rough estimate). Michael Fell mentioned above he can do this in one of his regular vinyl hunting spots, which I think makes the whole thing easier and more achievable.
I love when you talk about vinyl life in the good old days. I am of the opinion that vinyl needed a lot less maintenance back then because, for starters, people were spinning all the time, so records and systems got less dusty. Records were manufactered properly, so you had less of that annoying static so common with new records (not saying you guys didn’t have any static at all, but I have a feeling it was more manageable).
I also think now post revival there’s a lot more technical info available which goes hand in hand with some of the low quality records and equipment so common these days. There’s more choice, sure, but more work involved in many cases! I wasn’t born in the 60s or 70s but believe me when I say I “miss” those years!
Thanks a lot for reading and commenting and for sharing your unique insights in my humble Vinyl Room!
Thanks for all that....much appreciated! Thanks, too, for the fluffy bunny....when I was a youth minister, late-'80s in L.A., I discovered this fun game we'd play during youth nights or lock-ins: It was called.......wait for it........"Fluffy Bunny"--to the sadistic glee of their youth minister, the kids would go around the circle, and each time 'round, they'd add a large marshmallow in their mouth, and say, "fluffy bunny."
Easy to do, until you get 3, 5...and, 8 'mallows in your mouth (as we'd go around the circle adding one at a time), and then saying "fluffy bunny" becomes nigh unto impossible! Can you imagine the gales of laughter?!? Can you imagine the choking scares?!?😂
I wish I could tell you I could be sadistic enough to have conjured that one, but alas, they actually have resources that have similar games for such...........wait for it........shenanigans! One monthly mag was called "Group Magazine." I'd love to know if it's still available, but it was aimed specifically for church and church-type youth groups.
I read Michael's comment, but must've missed his stylus sales strategy. That makes sense. At some point, I reckon, a magnifying glass/device has to come into play.
I think you're right about vinyl back in my day: As virtually our only delivery system, we almost played records so exclusively, we gave dust no chance to settle! I also sort of see (now, in hindsight) Dad as being less of an audiophile (with all the attendant interest and knowledge in hi-fi equipment and such), than an avid record collector/music fan! And, I'm sure I fall far more into that niche, as well! I just wanted to get to the music within the grooves....I cared little about the tech that got it there! Bose this, Klipsch that....it was all geek Greek to me! I was like a vinyl junkie, just wanting to melt down the plastic to quickly inject it into my veins, with, of course, a quality.............needle! All while well-dressed, y'know...I wanted to by as stylus as possible when spinning vinyl!
Having said all that, Dad knew enough about the tools to make sure he was equipped with an impressive system, and he gave me a system that was certainly top-enough-notch to make me happy! I really wish I could remember the brand names of the components we had, but Dad wouldn't compromise, I know that!
Cheers, Boobie!👂🎵
That game with the marshmallows is hilarious! Proper shenanigans... I love that! We should try it some day 🤣
Yes, indeed: from what Michael was saying, a magnifying glass is definitely involved in the process.
I hear what you say on the "audiophile v. music lover" dichotomy. As I often like to say, I started with the music, got lost in the equipment, and found the music again (fortunately!). I still enjoy "playing" or "experimenting" with sound a little bit here and there, just because I find it really cool, but I don't let it distract me from the music.
I can imagine you all dressed up, spinning vinyl in stylus mode! I wasn't expecting any less! 😎
And, the cleaner the records, the longer the stylus will last. I have mentioned this before - I have an Ortofon 2M Bronze. It is not the cheapest, but it is an investment I am willing to make, as it is a very precise, detailed stylus that pulls remarkable clarity out of the grooves. It is also quite forgiving, which is great as I buy mostly used LPs. I clean my records (I just cleaned half a dozen yesterday) and always give them a brush with a carbon fiber brush before they go on the platter. I also regularly clean my stylus with either Last or Mofi stylus cleaner. All of this helps prolong the life of one's stylus.
Regarding the cartridge, it is an individual choice, and not every turntable is the same. I have a 1972 Thorens TD 160, which is a suspension turntable. I have had other cartridges on it, but they didn't track or lock into the grooves like my Ortofon. In an old house with wood floors and two dogs, this is an essential detail. The Ortofon doesn't skip a beat even if both dogs excitedly run past my setup at their dinner time.
Lastly, a good tip to make back the money you spend on your stylus - if your older stylus still has some life on it (or if replacing cartridges), you can probably sell it on eBay! I always keep one as a backup, but I have sold others that still had many hours on their life (my stereo shop has a microscope, and can guesstimate the remainder of life/hours one can get, which I post in the listing). Often, they have sold on the first day of listing them!
Thank you, Michael! Absolutely agree that clean records are sine qua non. It’s just that, typically, there’s a lot more coverage on the subject of cleaning, and not a lot (or at least not enough) on all things stylus.
I’ve had a look at your Ortofon 2M Bronze as your description sounded very similar to my microline and I can see they are quite similar. I also love that clarity in the sound.
Good tip about reselling old styli while still in decent condition. Not only does it help the seller make some money back, but it’s also a great opportunity for collectors on a lower budget to upgrade to a higher-quality stylus without breaking the bank. Win-win.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Very true about the amount of coverage and videos there are on record cleaning and the various systems/machines, etc.
As you point out, the investment in a good cartridge and stylus is always worth it. And there are very good cartridges out there for every budget that won't break the bank (sticking with the Ortofon 2M series—the Red is a solid cartridge that can be bought for under $100). However, you always get what you pay for, and with a cartridge and stylus, the rewards of paying more are definitely worth it!
This is so spot on. I often see some collectors who could easily afford an upgrade but are reluctant to make the investment as they are not sure whether it is worth it. Once they jump into the pool and notice the difference in sound straightaway, they can’t believe it took them so long 😂