Goldring Support

Q. How do I know when to replace my Goldring stylus?

Answer:

We usually say that a Goldring diamond/stylus should last for about 500-1500 hours of listening (shorter for spherical diamonds, longer for line contact), but this varies depending on the condition of the vinyl being played. Another way of judging this is by playing a favourite track and listening for any changes in tonality and resolution; if there's a loss in the high notes, it could be down to wear.
  1. Take a close look at your stylus using a USB microscope or magnifying glass to look for signs of wear. Things to look for in particular are changes in the stylus profile, for example flat spots/edges as well as any residue that won't come off after cleaning.
  2. As the loss of sound quality is so gradual, you will find these defects easier to hear when listening to music you’re very familiar with. Listen carefully for audible signs of wear because as previously mentioned, if the audio starts to degrade, your stylus is almost certainly worn and you should replace it as soon as possible.
  3. In extreme cases, the stylus may start to jump out of the groove through passages of music where previously it was stable. If this happens, stop the turntable immediately replace the stylus as soon as possible.
  4. If you purchased a second hand turntable, it is good practice to change the stylus as you don’t know how long it’s been in use, or how well it was looked after.