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[Gerall]

Question on time vs cartridge performance. I have a number of high end cartridges (most with no stylus) from the late 70's to mid 80's. Examples are: Pickering XSV3000, ADC XLM Mk II, and Shure RXT4. As they are magnetic, do they significantly deteriorate over time or not. Not sure whether to purchase stylus's for them or just purchase a new cartridge/stylus combo.

[JohnMichael]

First off I want to say that I loved the ADC XLM cartridges. Back to your questions the cartridges you mentioned have a removeable stylus and when you replace the stylus along with the stylus comes a new magnet and suspension. The parts that deteriorate in cartridges are the stylus, magnet and suspension. When you replace the stylus assembly you are renewing the cartridge assuming no electrical problem with the coils. Some moving magnet cartridges like the Grado have a magnet in the body and could lose strength over time.