Turntable line in level

A new stylus will not change level, but it can result in improved sound and reduced record wear. A rule of thumb is 1000 playing hours for stylus wear, but some users will become dissatisfied at 500. Each playing causes wear. Track near the recommended high. Yes, it’s true that higher tracking force wears everything faster, but if you are tracking so low that the stylus bumbles around in the record groove, there will be catastrophic record damage on a single playing rather than a slow erosion.(And it sounds terrible)

Proper cartridge alignment is critical. Unless you have done this yourself, assume that it is not correct. Here is a protractor to start with. Anyone who suggests that you don’t need a two point alignment doesn’t know what they are doing. And there is relatively little published about this. In addition to the offset angle and overhang resulting from using this tool, you need to pay attention to the vertical alignment (view from the side). Ideally the bottom of the cartridge body is parallel with the record surface and the top of the stylus will be inclined about 20 degrees toward the spindle and exactly 90 degrees when viewed from the front. Angle of contact with the record is more important than body parallel and each cartridge sample and record is slightly different. If you can adjust arm height after using shims for gross alignment of the 20 degrees this is the easiest to implement strategy.
 

The 20 degree adjustment is the most difficult and critical because each cartridge and record is slightly different. Make small adjustments with the arm height and listen to the result using a very busy classical disc. When you get the angle right magic will happen. Unfortunately, this magic adjustment varies slightly from record to record. If you want to be anal, arrange an arm height adjustment measurement technique and mark each LP with its magic number. Unfortunately, when you next time replace the stylus, the magic height will most likely need adjustment.