does he recommend something else? (i mean, i read the piece, but he doesn't end it by saying "so use ______ instead!"
Holy heck! He also mentions this issue with the DS Audio cleaning pad that I own. My previous stylus had built up some crazy residue just like in those photos that I just could not get off. I had no idea what it was, but it absolutely covered it so even the tip was covered up. The only thing that got a lot of it off was an Ultra Sonic stylus cleaner. But I ended up having to replace the cartridge (it was near the end of it's life anyway). I had begun to wonder if perhaps it was some residue from the DS cleaning pad, and now this suggests I may have been right. Dang, I better stop using it on my newer cartridge. Though it seems Fremer is still going to use them, but brush afterwards with some cleaner. I've never used any brushes for the stylus. Any recommendations for a stylus cleaner?
I wonder if he has had a reaction between some kind of residue on the stylus and the Zerodust gel membrane. Long story short, I once cut out the center of a damaged Zerodust (creased the surface) and filled with BlueTak. The BlueTak essentially started dissolving the remaining Zerodust. Given his position within the community, I think he really should have thought-through this a bit before 'alarming' the community. Oh well, damage done.
I bought a VAS cartridge a few years ago. The maker of the cartridge (Steve Leung) told me back then to stay away from Onzow Zerodust.
I could never understand how or why people would spend money on something which seemed obviously suspect - and for which something else exists to do the job which costs almost nothing (Magic Eraser).
Ironically the product made it on Stereophile's Recommended Products 2021 as reviewed by Fremer himself. He gets things right most of the time but I'm not sure how rigorously he ever tested this to draw such initial, award-worthy conclusions! Sheesh...he totally stepped in it this time and was totally careless. Onzow Zero Dust stylus cleaner: $39.99 ★ "A circular mound of semi-gelatinous goop in a box, onto which you gently lower your stylus," said MF. Use is simple: "After a few seconds, you lift the stylus, and it's as clean and residue-free as the proverbial whistle....Upside: no potentially dangerous brushing, and no fluids. Downside: if you like to leave your platter spinning, you'll have to stop it each time, or find another steady surface upon which to perform the operation." (Vol.25 No.3) Recommended Components 2021 Edition Phono Accessories
Curious, isn't it? I suspect the page itself will follow shortly. I've been using the Onzow for years. I also have a proper microscope and can do frequent inspections. Never seen any stubborn crud or any other reason for concern, but I do clean my records beforehand. I have no intention to stop using mine as an integral part of stylus cleaning routine between record sides, along with other, more rigorous cleaning steps on a more periodic basis.
Couldn't see the images in firefox or Chrome. They showed up in Safari. (What's the explanation for that?)
Well, if you are referring to “Mike” Fremer, he did author the article posted. So, you could read it and know exactly what he thinks.
I’ve used one for years also, without the slightest problem. The real issue, to my mind, is that with the cost increases, the Onzow is no longer a competitive option.
I bought mine when it was the only product of its kind, and it was quite spendy even when. Now there are so many knockoffs it's worth shopping around.
