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Cartridge shelf life?

I finally have the time and place to set up my black big disc system again.My Question is simply this - I have a Linn Asak that has literally been sitting for about 10 years - tip was OK when put away. Also have a Sumiko BluePoint High output MC that has been siting for almost the same amount of time - very low hours - tip would be fine.Yesterday I bought a Grado Prestige Blue 1 - new in the box.
I have plenty of originally bought new LP's that are still very listenable because I have been very careful about what ground it's way around the LP - would hate to damage my collection with defective cartridge.
Finally - the basic question is this - the elastomer support ( think rubber/plastic donut) that the stylus tube rides inside of - how subject to becoming either stiffer/more brittle or softening are these materials - if simply left siting - not used ? Is it reasonable to even try these closet queen carts or am I better off simply instaling the known good cart?
Table is a LP-12 Valhalla and RB-300 arm.
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Showing 2 responses by photon46

photon46
1,076 posts
 
What type of storage conditions were the Sumiko & Linn enjoying their hiatus in?
Environmental factors play a big role in the degradation of many elastomer materials. A sealed box, kept in cool conditions, is an environment less apt to cause harm than a cartridge exposed to ozone in a hot attic or garage.
photon46
1,076 posts
 
In the past, I researched this topic on various forums as I was interested in trying some well regarded cartridges from years ago. It doesn't seem there is any definitive answer to the question from the various experiences people have had. More often than not, especially if the cartridge was kept in a box or case limiting air exchange, cartridges were deemed useful for quite a few years. Certainly at least the ten years you've kept your cartridges stored. But, there are always the others that do have their suspension give out. From reports, certain cartridge brands were more prone to elastomer degradation than others. If I were you, I'd just try the oldies out on a few records that I didn't care about. You should be able to see if things are sagging or otherwise are age impaired. If they pass that test, you could try them out on a test record to see how they track.
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