Using styli of various sizes to overcome noise in records
caused by wear and abuse is a common technique. There is no optimum size
stylus. Often a larger size works best, sometimes a smaller size works
best. The one that produces the best sound is the correct stylus to
use. Older records often require larger tips
for standard play.
Up until now, such styli have cost up to $150.00 each. To prevent
damage, it is often desirable to mount such delicate styli in their own
cartridges. If you had 5 custom styli made for you and purchased five Grado cartridges
the cost would be approximately $1,500.00!
Esoteric Sound has put together a kit of five Grado DJ-100, 2
- 5 Gram tracking cartridges, each equipped with a different radius,
custom-made stylus suited for vintage records. Each stylus is conical/spherical in shape and
can be used for archival or casual play of records without concern for undue wear on
the record. The kit consists of the following cartridge/stylus radii: