A conical stylus, also known as a spherical stylus, is the most common type of stylus used in turntable cartridges. It has a rounded tip that makes contact with the entire groove wall of a record.
While conical styli are relatively durable and inexpensive, they can also cause groove damage over time. This is because the rounded tip of the stylus can put a lot of pressure on the groove wall, which can eventually lead to wear and tear.
Groove damage can manifest itself in a number of ways, including:
- Clicks and pops: These are the most common symptoms of groove damage. They occur when the stylus hits a damaged section of the groove, causing it to skip.
- Surface noise: This is a general term for any unwanted noise that is produced when a record is played, such as hissing, crackling, and rumbling. Surface noise can be caused by a number of factors, including groove damage.
- Distortion: This is a type of audio distortion that occurs when the sound signal is reproduced inaccurately. Groove damage can cause distortion by interfering with the stylus’s ability to track the groove accurately.
In severe cases, groove damage can make a record unplayable. However, even minor groove damage can affect the sound quality of a record.
How to reduce conical stylus groove damage
There are a few things that you can do to reduce conical stylus groove damage:
- Use a high-quality stylus: A high-quality stylus will be less likely to damage the groove wall than a cheap stylus.
- Keep your stylus clean: A dirty stylus can pick up dirt and debris from the record, which can then be dragged through the groove and cause damage.
- Use a turntable mat: A turntable mat can help to absorb some of the vibration from the turntable, which can reduce the amount of force that is applied to the groove wall.
- Play your records at the correct tracking force: Too much tracking force can put unnecessary stress on the groove wall and lead to damage.
- Be careful when handling your records: Avoid touching the playing surface of the records with your fingers, and store them properly when you are not using them.
Conical styli can cause groove damage over time, but there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk. By using a high-quality stylus, keeping your stylus clean, using a turntable mat, playing your records at the correct tracking force, and being careful when handling your records, you can help to extend the life of your records and enjoy them for many years to come.