Stylus Care: What's Your Method

[Golucid]

Because I take meticulous cleaning care if my vinyl [multiple machines and cleanings], I have yet to visually see/detect debris on the stylus.

However, is it likely that debris is there and that I just do not see it? Or, is it clean and I do not need to worry about a Zerodust/Magic Eraser and just use the Ortofon included stylus cleaning brush?

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Golucid

Because I take meticulous cleaning care if my vinyl [multiple machines and cleanings], I have yet to visually see/detect debris on the stylus.

However, is it likely that debris is there and that I just do not see it? Or, is it clean and I do not need to worry about a Zerodust/Magic Eraser and just use the Ortofon included stylus cleaning brush?

David.......As clean as your vinyl may be the stylus should be cleaned between each play. There are micro dust particles in the air that are attracted to the vinyl surface through static. This debris ultimately ends up on the stylus tip. In addition, the friction from wall contact and the tremendous acceleration and deceleration the stylus is subjected to generates a lot of heat. This heat will gradually bake contaminants onto the stylus tip that then becomes difficult to remove if allowed to build up. Routine stylus cleaning after each play is essential to the long term health of your cartridge and albums. Using the Ortofon provided brush will keep your stylus tip clean. The biggest issue with its use is the possibility of misuse causing an accident that would damage the cantilever. I use my brush periodically as well as the Zerodust. For obvious reasons, you must always take great care anytime you are doing anything that involves contacting the stylus and cantilever.

[doggiehowser]

Originally Posted by Golucid

I think I might go the Magic Erase route. I have a $4,000 stylus. Ugh...I mean well - I always do, but I am a total dork! Yeah, I'll break that cartridge! Sooooo... I think Magic Eraser is the deal for me.

I used to lower and raise the tone arm by hand.

I was told that the correct way was to use the tonearm lever to lower and raise the tonearm over the Zero Dust.

Could that be the reason?

The suspension on my Sumiko Blackbird has gone a bit wonky and I recently replaced it with the Pearwood. Not quite 4k but still more than what I was expecting and I am very very wary of touching it

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by doggiehowser

...use the tonearm lever to lower and raise the tonearm over the Zero Dust.

That's certainly the preferred method. I have a Pearwood also and you're right to be careful, the way the body conceals the stylus it's not always easy to see it clearly. With your table you can either place the ZeroDust on the platter and dip the cartridge before putting on the record, or cut a piece of 2 x 2 (will actually measure 1-1/2 x 1-1/2) to the right length, paint it a nice gloss black to match your table and tack with some blu-tack or double-sided tape to the base next to the platter and mount the ZD on it. That way it's always at the ready.

[Golucid]

i just now purchased the Zerodust. $29 bucks!

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by Golucid

i just now purchased the Zerodust. $29 bucks!

[j3brow]

I was just about to purchase at AS for $70 and the $10 shipping was a turn off so I decided to try Amazon. I was shocked to see it listed at $29. Is this legit?? Real deal Onzow Zerodust minus the import fees???? Huge mark up if bought domestically. Guess I will purchase via Amazon too. Wow. What a deal. Hopes it the real thing.

Update: order placed. Guaranteed delivery by Thursday. Gotta love Amazon.

[Golucid]

Originally Posted by j3brow

I was just about to purchase at AS for $70 and the $10 shipping was a turn off so I decided to try Amazon. I was shocked to see it listed at $29.99. Is this legit?? Real deal Onzow Zerodust minus the import fees???? Huge mark up if bought domestically. Guess I will purchase via Amazon too. Wow. What a deal. Hopes it the real thing.

That's what i purchased.

[j3brow]

Fingers crossed ...

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by Golucid

That's what i purchased.

Yep, me too. Easy returns at Amazon so no worries.