[Don_S]

I am resurrecting an old Dual 601 and I have four cartridges for it.  I think I read somewhere that there are elastomers in cartridges and they change properties with time.

Carts I have:
Dual model unknown
Shure V15-III DM
Grado G1+
Ortofon VMS-20E

Not sure which one to use.  Also not  sure why I have so many. I doubt if I wore any of them out. My guess it was early signs of audiophile nervosa during an age when power cords were captive and swapping ICs and speaker cable had not yet become fashionable.

[TheChairGuy]

They all degenerate over time, Don (rubber decays, unfortunately)

Use 'em tho and hear for yourself....you've quite a tasty selection there to try 

I have a DUAL 701.....all of what you have should work on the 601 to greater or lesser extent.

Enjoy - John

[Wayner]

I would only add that you may not know the condition of the stylus and if badly worn, could do irreversible damage to your vinyl. I would suggest new on that account.

Wayner

[AudioSoul]

   I have a Signet TK7E from the 70's and it sounds great. Now that I have a new replacement stylus that is.......

[Scottdazzle]

The Ortofon VMS20E had a very weak suspension for the cantilever even when new.  If it doesn't bottom out then age probably isn't a problem to the rubber.