Does a turntable stylus need to be broken in?

Much like a speaker driver, the cartridge and stylus on a turntable also have a break-in period. If you are not hearing the audio performance you expected or the stylus cantilever seems too stiff, the stylus requires break in period.

While the break-in period of your stylus varies depending on the make and model, 20-30 hours of regular playback is what most manufacturers recommend. This will allow the rubber boot holding the cantilever to stretch, allowing for smoother, more accurate movement as it tracks in the record grooves.