When should I replace my phono cartridge?

When using turntables, there is one thing that crashes most often. It’s the cartridge. Although most parts of the turntable are fairly durable, but the life, even, of the best phono cartridge will vary depending on how well you care for it and how much you use it.

Cartridge Life

The life of a cartridge is very variable. Some brands have a very short lifespan, between 150 and 200 hours. Others can climb around 1000 hours without flinching. This lifespan is, of course, different depending on the correct setting, cleanliness of the disc and the cartridge.

How long do you listen to your vinyl each day? 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours? Make an average, refer to the recommendations of the manufacturer of your diamond and you will have an idea of its life.

An intensive user will have to change cartridge once a year, the others between 2 and 3 years.

Your hearing will help determine the breakdown

However, above all, especially, trust your ears. You must know certain albums, certain songs from your disco better than others. These discs or his songs will be your “yardsticks”. Put yourself in favorable listening conditions: the treble flickers less than before and the bass is not well defined? Are the mediums dull? Unbalanced stereo? You have to face the inevitable your cartridge needs to be changed.

Don’t be obsessed with the wear of your cartridge. Its aging is inevitable: take care of your vinyl records, take pleasure in listening and when it’s the time change it. Quite simply.