Cartridge usage

Track stylus hours without guessing.

A stylus-hour log is most useful when it records the sessions in which the cartridge actually played, not every hour that the rest of the system was powered on.

HiFiTracker for iOS & Android - Coming soon

Start with the record you already have

If the stylus is new, begin at zero. If it has already been used, enter a reasonable initial-usage estimate and note why you chose it. An honest estimate is more useful than invented precision.

Give the turntable its own listening system

Create a listening system for the turntable and cartridge. Start its timer when vinyl playback begins and stop it when the listening session ends. If you use another source while the amplifier remains on, that time belongs to amplification, not to the stylus.

Correct real-life mistakes

Forgot to start, stopped late, or left the timer running? Add, edit, or delete the session using the time you can reasonably reconstruct. Review the recorded hours after correction. A consistent record with occasional corrections is better than abandoning the log.

Use hours as context, not a verdict

Expected lifetime is a planning input. Wear can depend on alignment, tracking force, record condition, cleanliness, design, and other factors. Check the cartridge or stylus manufacturer’s guidance and respond to audible or physical signs that deserve attention.

Keep related records together

A maintenance log can connect inspection and replacement history to the same equipment. If amplification and source use differ, follow the separate-timers guide. For app controls and corrections, see the session FAQ.