In article , Stephen Worth
wrote:
In article , Jim Lesurf
wrote:

I'd be interested to see some references to some research/measurement
reports that support the above as a generalised assertion about
"elliptical tipped" cartridges.

This is info that goes back to the LP era. Do some googling. You'll find
it. You might try looking for references to stylus shapes intended for
transcription as opposed to everyday use.


I have tried searching my set of AES CDROMs that contain all the issues
of JAES, etc, prior to a couple of years ago, but found no references
which relate to your assertion that:

"An elliptical tipped cartridge needs alignment every two to three months."

I found many articles which deal with other factors, but nothing on that
which I noticed.

Alas, you have not given any references, just told me to look for them,
which looks like you have none in mind when you made your assertion.
However if you do, please let me know.


Think about the shape of an elliptical stylus... imagine it contacting
the groove a little bit off angle. One side will contact harder than
the other. A conical stylus is symmetrical. It can be a little twisted
one way or the other and it still contacts the groove the same.


The above strikes me as rather an over-simplification. :-) However
the issue I was questioning was the claim that the alignment changes
sigificantly in the timescale you state. I have found articles that
do deal with the geometry and wear, etc, but not seen anything on
that point as yet.

Alignment does NOT stay the same. If you use your turntable regularly,
things move around as you handle the tonearm. Elliptical stylii need to
be aligned every three to six months with everyday use.

Yet my experience over some decades of using LP replay systems
with non-'conical' styli did not agree with your theory. Although
it has been some time since I used LP on an 'everyday' basis. But
I did do so for many years.

For all I know, you are correct. But I haven't found any assessable
evidence, not have you provided any, nor does my experience indicate
that you are right. So unless you are able to provide some specific
reference that I - and perhaps others - could examine, I am afraid I
will have to doubt your assertion. :-)

Slainte,

Jim

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