Dual-radius tip: the narrow edge traces high frequencies more accurately than a conical. The hi-fi standard; moderate lifespan and setup requirements.
Same profile class as the original
Simpler profile than the original: less inner-groove detail, easier setup
The simplest profile — a single spherical tip touching the groove at two points. Undemanding in setup, but reads less high-frequency detail and struggles on inner grooves.
Same profile class as the original
Same profile class as the original
Finer profile than the original: more detail and inner-groove control, more sensitive to VTA setup
The classic line-contact profile, originally cut for CD-4 quadraphonic: tall contact area, excellent high-frequency tracing and inner-groove control, long service life; sensitive to VTA.
Finer profile than the original: more detail and inner-groove control, more sensitive to VTA setup
The classic line-contact profile, originally cut for CD-4 quadraphonic: tall contact area, excellent high-frequency tracing and inner-groove control, long service life; sensitive to VTA.
Finer profile than the original: more detail and inner-groove control, more sensitive to VTA setup
A micro-ridge-class profile approximating the shape of the cutting stylus: among the most accurate tracing and longest wear life; demands exact VTA and azimuth.
Same profile class as the original
Simpler profile than the original: less inner-groove detail, easier setup
The simplest profile — a single spherical tip touching the groove at two points. Undemanding in setup, but reads less high-frequency detail and struggles on inner grooves.
Finer profile than the original: more detail and inner-groove control, more sensitive to VTA setup
A sharpened elliptical variant with a narrower contact edge — closer to line-contact tracing accuracy while staying moderately tolerant of setup.
Finer profile than the original: more detail and inner-groove control, more sensitive to VTA setup
The classic line-contact profile, originally cut for CD-4 quadraphonic: tall contact area, excellent high-frequency tracing and inner-groove control, long service life; sensitive to VTA.
Values are the cartridge specification — a third-party stylus may differ. Re-check tracking force and anti-skating after every stylus swap.
In MM cartridges the suspension is part of the replaceable stylus assembly — a third-party stylus can change effective compliance and the overall sound character, not just the tip profile.
When should the stylus be replaced?
Typical wear signs: harsh sibilants on vocals, distortion that grows towards inner grooves, channel imbalance, records sounding duller than they used to. As a rough guide, conical and elliptical tips last several hundred hours; line-contact profiles typically last longer — up to 1,000+ hours with clean records and correct setup.
Can a worn stylus damage records?
Yes, permanently. A worn diamond develops flats with sharp edges that shave the groove walls on every play. If in doubt, replace first — a stylus is cheaper than a record collection.
Will a third-party stylus sound like the original?
Not necessarily. The suspension and the cantilever/diamond quality define the character as much as the tip profile, and in MM designs the suspension lives in the stylus assembly. A different profile also changes detail retrieval and inner-groove behavior — see the profile notes above.