DS Audio ST-50 Stylus Cleaner

Description

MY TAKE: I’ve been reluctant to recommend any of the stylus cleaners using a gel pad (since none of the cartridge manufacturers I’ve spoken with would endorse them), but the DS Audio represents a shift in my thinking. Coming from a cartridge manufacturer (who's top-of-the-line offering is $20k!), I’m confident that it is both safe and effective. - Galen Carol

The DS Audio ST-50 stylus cleaner employs a specially designed urethane gel pad used in industrial clean room settings. Specifically, the material is employed in semiconductor production facilities to remove the tiniest dust particles at the micro level. Manual dry brushing can remove loose dust but risks accidental damage if undue force is used. The ST-50 is both safer and more effective at removing smaller deposits compared with dry brushing.

The urethane gel pad is encased in an elegant machined aluminum, nickel plated, housing. A real leather pad on the bottom prevents damage to the turntable platter. Simply lower the stylus onto the pad three times. This action safely removes dust and debris from the stylus without placing undue force or pressure on the sensitive generator assembly.

The ST-50 avoids the potential damage caused by some liquid cleaners. Several cartridge manufacturers recommend against using liquid cleaning solutions as some may dissolve the adhesive used to bond the stylus to the cantilever. The ST-50 has no such issues.

Since the urethane gel pad can be easily cleaned under running water, you'll only need to buy it once, no need to replace brushes or liquids.

REVIEWS:

Positive Feedback: "This is not one of those accessories that you lavish with excessively verbose prose about how its use elevates your system's performance to a higher level. What it does do, though, allows your analog system to perform at its peak potential—which is absolutely essential to more musical performance. At an MSRP of $80, the ST-50 is not inexpensive, yet my recent experience tells me that its place in my audio arsenal is invaluable to the care of my stylus—and the care my stylus gives to my prized LP collection. And the fact that the urethane pad is so easily renewed makes the one-time purchase price inconsequential over its potential lifespan. I'd like to thank Garth Leerer at Musical Surroundings for sending it my way; I really appreciate your intentions and your thought process! And while I'm fairly certain you're not plotting to have me rubbed out any time soon, I definitely do get the message. With the DS Audio ST-50, the Hana SL's shibata stylus tip—and the message—are both crystal clear!" - Tom Gibbs

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK:

"Stylus cleaner arrived late yesterday. Simple, stress free stylus cleaner. Perfect for those of us who lack keen eye sight and steady hands. Highly recommended."
Thank you, John

See the ST-50 stylus cleaner in action - video here.