Well, so much for my big plans to use Shure M94E phono cartridge, it didn't take long for 16yr old stylus to break down. First I noticed sound distortion on right channel, then the same channel started to crackle & hiss (true, there was a lot of dust, still it was far more obvious when comparing to left channel) and then it started skipping & skating all over the place. Sadly, I don't have the microscope here to check the actual diamond tip, but macro mode on my phone's camera answered pretty much all the questions & any doubts - this one is completely shot
Once shiny & straight cantilever now seems completely rotten, even bent (if you look closer).
So, here's the big question - how to replace a 16yr old stylus, especially since the whole model series was discontinued by Shure & is no longer in production? Fortunately, I stumbled upon "Jico" replacement styli, from what I understand highly respected & experienced company that's producing aftermarket replacement, even upgrades. And so I bought (well, ordered) a replacement stylus earlier today, which is a huge step-up from my previous (and original) elliptical one. This one is called
N110HE, and is hyper elliptical model, also known as "S.A.S." or Super Analog Stylus... Pretty fancy model from what I understand that features more expensive cantilever materials such as boron, along with highly polished finish. Overall, not bad for a budget table & average cart!
Will post more info (and sound sample, if anyone's interested) once I receive the package, some time next week !
Edit
Fixed the link to
N110HE website, sorry