A stylus is the small needle-like object at the end of a turntable cartridge. It is responsible for making contact with the record grooves and reproducing the sound. There are three main types of styli: conical, elliptical, and spherical.
What is the difference between a conical, elliptical, and spherical stylus?
A conical stylus has a rounded tip, while an elliptical stylus has an oval-shaped tip and a spherical stylus is essentially a spherical or ball-shaped tip.
How does the shape of the stylus affect sound quality?
The shape of the stylus affects sound quality in a few different ways.
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Tracking ability: A conical stylus will make contact with the entire groove wall, while an elliptical or spherical stylus will make contact with a smaller area of the groove wall. This difference in contact area affects the stylus’s ability to track the record grooves. An elliptical or spherical stylus is better able to track the tighter modulations of the record grooves, especially at high frequencies.
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Frequency response: An elliptical or spherical stylus is able to reproduce higher frequencies more accurately than a conical stylus. This is because the elliptical or spherical stylus is better able to follow the tighter modulations of the record grooves at high frequencies.
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Soundstage: The soundstage is the perceived three-dimensional space of a recorded sound. An elliptical or spherical stylus can produce a more detailed and accurate soundstage than a conical stylus. This is because the elliptical or spherical stylus is better able to track the record grooves accurately.
Which type of stylus is better?
In general, an elliptical or spherical stylus will produce better sound quality than a conical stylus. However, there are a few things to consider when choosing a stylus.
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Price: Elliptical and spherical styli are more expensive than conical styli.
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Durability: Elliptical and spherical styli are more delicate and require more careful handling than conical styli.
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Suitability for older records: Elliptical and spherical styli may not be suitable for older or damaged records.
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Compatibility with your turntable cartridge: Not all turntable cartridges are compatible with all types of styli. Be sure to check the compatibility of your turntable cartridge before purchasing a stylus.
Here is a table that summarizes the pros and cons of conical, elliptical, and spherical styli:
| Characteristic | Conical Stylus | Elliptical Stylus | Spherical Stylus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Less expensive | More expensive | More expensive |
| Durability | More durable | Less durable | Less durable |
| Sound quality | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Suitability for older records | Good | May not be suitable | May not be suitable |
| Compatibility with turntable cartridges | Very wide | Wide | Narrow |
Ultimately, the best type of stylus for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for the best possible sound quality, then an elliptical or spherical stylus is the way to go. However, if you are on a budget or have a large collection of older records, then a conical stylus may be the better option for you.
Additional notes:
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Spherical styli are less common than elliptical styli, but they are often used in high-end turntable cartridges. Spherical styli are able to track the record grooves more accurately than elliptical styli, but they are also more delicate and require more careful handling.
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If you are unsure which type of stylus is right for you, it is always best to consult with a turntable expert. They can help you choose the right stylus for your needs and budget.
