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 dollars 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 dollars!

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:

• DJ-100/2.0
• DJ-100/2.5
• DJ-100/3 .0
• DJ-100/3.5
• DJ-100/4.0

So, where is the best place to start?

• 2.0 mil - worn Lps, some AFRS transcriptions.
• 2.5 - 2.5 mil - many 78's, transcriptions.
• 3 - 3.0 mil - most 30's-50's slightly worn 78s & transcriptions, Edison discs.
• 3.5 - 3.5 mil - old or worn 78s, transcriptions.
• 4.0 mil - very old or worn discs, raw aluminum, RCA home.