cjgeraci Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 I guess the recommended approach when you purchase a used turntable or acquire a used cartridge is to replace the stylus to make sure that you are not using an overly worn one (to prevent record damage). Or acquire those items from a seller that knows the history/usage of same. But, if you do not have those options, can you visibly inspect the stylus to determine the condition/wear? If so, would you use a jeweler's loop (or higher) - and what would you look for?? I'm just curious because I've picked up a Shure V15II cartridge (unknown history) that I cannot find a replacement stylus for. I wanted to try it on my Kenwood table, but wanted to make sure it was in decent enough shape to even try on a record (to prevent damage). Any thoughts on inspecting it? Carl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnalOg Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 Visually it would be next to impossible to check for wear or damage, unless you have a high powered microscope along with the correct lighting, in the end you would still have to know what your're looking for in a way of wear or damage. I think your ears will tell you if theres any problems with your stylus, install it, make your correct adjustments, put on a LP you don't value much and give it a good listen for any abnormalities. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klipschguy Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 I have checked styli using a surgical microscope. I just look at the overall shape and for wear facets - amazing detail. It is incredible how finely cut those little diamonds are. Realizing everyone may not have access to a stereo operating microscope, try using a SLR camera lense (without the camera) as an up close magnifier. Oberserve the stylus under the lense using good lighting. I keep an old, wide angle camera lense lying around to use as a powerful magnifying tool. Best regards, Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3dzapper Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 One of these from Radio Shack for $10 works:The RadioShack Illuminated Microscope magnifies objects so you can see the finer details. View butterfly wings, the design of a leaf or a thread of hair up close. It's an ideal gift for nature lovers! PRODUCT FEATURES: 60-100× magnification Size: 50×18×81mm Adjustable focus and zoom/td> Light with on/off switch Includes carry pouch and bulb replacement tool Requires 2 AAA batteries Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 Rick, You workin' for the Shack now? ;^) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3dzapper Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 Work ! That's a four letter word. i'm reporting you to the modulators!!! I think it was Thebes who posted about that little scope a while ago. The local RS is in a small strip style mall. I can just park in the fire lane, run in, and run out. If it were in one of those big shopping malls, i'd never go. The only thing worse than that is a trip to the dentist. Which reminds me 11AM tomorrow...... Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 Rick, I'll think of you tomorrow at 11 if you think of me Tuesday at 1:30 ("flexible" sigmoidoscopy. Thank God they don't still use the stiff one...)[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnyholiday Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 The recovery room is a gas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3dzapper Posted October 21, 2005 Share Posted October 21, 2005 Have fun Gregg!!!![] I'm just getting a crown cemented.[] Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted October 21, 2005 Share Posted October 21, 2005 Man, that bites! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted October 21, 2005 Share Posted October 21, 2005 One of these from Radio Shack for $10 works: The RadioShack Illuminated Microscope magnifies objects so you can see the finer details. View butterfly wings, the design of a leaf or a thread of hair up close. Rick I was afraid I would hit the stylus or cantilever with it because you almost have to put the stylus into the small opening of the clear plastic nose to focus it. It seems to be designed to be be set right the on the object, and I can't hold it that steady that close to a stylus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjgeraci Posted October 21, 2005 Author Share Posted October 21, 2005 Thanks, guys. I think I'll start with camera lenses, and if that does not yield results, I may try the (gasp) Radio Shack thingy. But, I agree with Larry that I would need to be very.......careful. Carl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted October 21, 2005 Share Posted October 21, 2005 It takes a long focal length to do strong magnification from a distance. I know a manufacturer who bought a $400 magnifying telescope to be able to inspect styli and cartridge cantilevers without getting right on top of them. A microscope is probably best as suggested above, but you have to know how to tell a flat spot from the intended stylus shape. So, I, too, judge by age of the cart and whether it's starting to deteriorate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptnBob Posted October 21, 2005 Share Posted October 21, 2005 Hi, Carl, Zaw at Alpha Tech (in St. Louis) has been known to check styli. If that's not good for you, let me know and I will dig out my old "official" with headlights and everything Shure Bros. stylus microscope. Bob A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjgeraci Posted October 21, 2005 Author Share Posted October 21, 2005 Actually, Bob - that's a good idea. Where do you think my Thorens/Grado came from?? [] I'm sure he would not mind checking the Shure real quick for a recent customer...... Carl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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