In analogue, there are two main types of cartridge: MM (moving magnets) and MC (moving coils). The lifespan of an MM cartridge is estimated at between 400 and 700 listening hours (or even more for certain models), while an MC cartridge can last up to 1,000 listening hours (again, depending on the model).
Fragile, however, the cartridge may not reach this level of listening time and may wear out prematurely due to poor handling or lack of maintenance, for example. In this guide, we'll give you some tips and tricks on how to look after your phono cell and maximise its lifespan.
1. Good practice in handling a Hi-Fi cartridge
Essential for listening to vinyl, the cartridge (and more particularly the stylus) is an element that must be used and handled with care. You run the risk of damaging it badly, or even breaking it! The good news is, however, that there are a few tricks that can help you avoid such mishaps.
1.1. Handle the diamond protector with care
On most phono cells (but not all), a diamond protector is available to protect the cell's stylus, as the name suggests, by means of a small clip-on/off shell or a small flap.
To play vinyl, start by removing the diamond protector and leaving the pen ‘free’. It's at this point that you need to take precautions to avoid touching the pen, either with your fingers or with the diamond cover itself. The same applies when handling the pen the other way round, putting the diamond guard back on the cell. The majority of pen breakages are in fact due to incorrect handling when putting the protector back on!
To avoid repeated handling and therefore the risk of breakage, it is not necessarily necessary to replace the diamond guard every time you use the turntable. If your turntable has a protective cover, all you have to do is close the cover and your cartridge will be safe. On the other hand, if you don't have a cover, it may be useful to put the diamond guard back on if you need to clean or, for example, if you have pets. We can only recommend that you install a protective cover for your record player!
1.2. Using the turntable arm lifte
Wear or breakage of the stylus can also occur if it is placed too abruptly on the vinyl record. To prevent this, manufacturers fit their manual turntables with an arm lift, which consists of an arm rest and a small lever.
The operation is simple: put the armrest in the raised position, then manually place the arm on it, positioning it above the record, where you want the cartridge to fall (watch out for the edges of the record!). Finally, move the lever downwards, which will lower the armrest and therefore the arm itself. The stylus will then come to rest gently on the surface of the vinyl, so any breakage will normally be avoided!
1.3. Appropriate use
There are two types of use for a vinyl turntable, both for audiophiles and for professionals. However, it's important to bear in mind that a home record player is not necessarily suitable for the DJ world, and vice versa!
For example, you shouldn't use a ‘Hi-Fi’ cartridge for ‘DJ effects’, such as scratching, because you run the risk of damaging it. If you're looking for a cartridge for this type of use, then you'll need to turn to DJ cartridges, which are perfectly suited to it.
2. Cleaning the phono cell stylus
As well as taking care when handling your phono cell, it is also advisable to clean the diamond regularly to optimise its life. Over time, dust and other impurities can become lodged in the grooves of vinyl records.
As the stylus is placed in the grooves, it picks up all this dirt! Over time, this can lead to premature wear of the stylus, and ultimately to a deterioration in sound quality. Manufacturers offer a wide range of products to care for your phono cell's stylus.
2.1. Pen cleaning brushes and solutions
There are various affordable and easy-to-use pen cleaning products: brushes and solutions.
You can either opt for a brush, such as the Tonar Simple brush, or Pro-Ject's Clean It. These brushes are used from back to front (the opposite can break the tip!). In just a few strokes, the pen is rid of all its little lumps of dust.
In the same vein, there are also products in brush form, for applying a cleaning solution dedicated to pen maintenance. Examples include Simply Analog's cleaner or Audio Technica AT 607. This format, reminiscent of nail varnish, is very easy to apply. And above all, it's relatively effective!
2.2. Diamond gels and cleaners
Alongside the "classic" brushes and stylus solutions, there are other types of product offering very specific technologies for diamond maintenance. There are products in the form of a gel into which the tip of the phono cell is placed and which captures all impurities. Audio Technica offers a product of this type, AT617a. Another example is DS Audio's ST-50 product.
In the "nec plus ultra" of pen cleaning equipment, we offer you the Flux Hi-Fi Sonic, a product that has been renowned for its excellent cleaning qualities for several years now. The special feature of this product is that it uses ultrasonic waves to remove all the dirt from the pen and restore the diamond tip to like-new condition!
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We hope these tips and tricks will help you take good care of your pen and get the most out of your phono cell for a long time to come! If you would like any further information, our technicians are at your disposal by telephone (0 810 810 121) or by message.
