Stylus cleaners
I used to use Onzo ZeroDust with my first few cartridges years ago. With the last two cartridges, Hana ML, I have only been using the included Hana brush for every side of LP and the MoFi LP-9 liquid stylus cleaner (I get as much fluid out of the brush by pressing it against the neck of the bottle before I clean stylus) every 3-4 records.
Onzo is collecting dust especially since the Fremer’s The Tracking Angle article.
I’ve been looking at DS Audio ST-50 but at $80 I’m not sure it will do anything better than my current cleaning methods.
What’s your stylus cleaning routine?
I've seen built up junk on the cantilever from Last cleaner, looked like solder. It cleaned off with the Last Cleaner. I used to blow off the Last brush before putting it back in the bottle but it did no good. Junk was still in the bottle. My Stylast bottle is super clean so it shows that the cleaner does clean very well but it sticks to the brush so it has to be rinsed off. |
@vinylvin that’s interesting. Do you use a dry brush to clean the cantilever and stylus before applying the LAST cleaner? Do you get rid of access fluid from the LAST brush before applying by pressing the brush against the neck of the bottle few times? I’m puzzled…how can the cleaner leave residue. I’ll try brushing it on a mirror and see if it left anything after it dried. |
Yes I do use a dry brush before. I do get rid of the excess more than a few times. It cleaned the cantilever like new though. I would clean the cantilever with the cleaner once in a while to get the dust off, never any problems. I bought some LP#9 to try this time because it's cheaper, does a really great job. I use Stylast after. |
Yes I use LP#9 as well. But I heard more clarity and lower noise after I used Last. Concern with LP#9 is the alcohol content. May not be safe for all cartridges. I have a Hana cartridge and according to Hana US distributor Musical Surroundings LP#9 is safe to use. But like I said I prefer the results with LAST. |
In my observations, the LAST cleaner is a very powerful & effective solvent that won’t hurt stylus glue bonds, and evaporates very quickly (no goop). I’ve never had any reservations over the years of applying it to my most expensive cartridges - including Koetsu Blue Lace Diamond and Coralstone. I also have Stylast, but never really bother using it. But if you’re skittish or don’t have a steady hand (always use your free hand to steady/brace the working one), then absolutely choose an easier method with more margin for error. |
