Hey, it's a new generation and they are making it up as they go - I got lots of vinyls in my pile
All kidding aside, the difference in hardness bewteen vinyl and diamond pretty much precludes damage between plastic and needle. Abrasive dirt is another matter. Clean older records should not be a problem
My vinyls are scratchy, too. I say "vinyls", too, so don't feel bad.
Let's see... you guys have piles and itchy vinyls... for goodness' sake, just scratch the darned things and shut up about it - that's way too much information!
Getting back to the OP's question... CLEAN records that have no static charge shouldn't sound bad, unless they are also physically scratched. To get the most out of playing those beat-up old records, do this:
1. Clean, clean and CLEAN them. Read up on the old threads about things like glue peeling, steaming (perhaps...be careful!), GEM cleaners, and above all, vacuum-type RCMs (record cleaning machines, like the VPIs).
2. Zap 'em with a Zerostat gun, or equivalent, to remove static charge. (Less necessary in humid climates than in dry ones; also try using anti-static inner sleeves, and consider adding a ground connection to your TT's platter where it will drain charge from the records).
3. Try different styli, to find one that will ride in a less-worn and less-damaged part of the groove. Make sure to try a line-contact stylus among the mix.
4. Don't use your best styli (or ones that you care a lot about) on your more damaged records; scratches can definitely take their toll on the stylus, because of the impact forces involved, If you accumulate a lot of "beater" records, consider setting up a "first-play" or "test" TT and cart, just to screen out which records have too much noise, before you play them on your best gear. Use a cart that you know tracks very well (doesn't skip), but which you don't care too much about. Make sure it is set up properly, then use it for its purpose and don't worry about it. Check the stylus occasionally, to make sure that you aren't playing records with a damaged stylus, which can cause groove damage.
5. If you have records you really like, but which have too much noise, consider converting them into a digital recording, and electronically "cleaning them up". You'll lose some of the sound quality, but overall may end up with a more listen-able recording.
6. Enjoy the music!
However it depends also to some degree on the type of cart and the profile of your stlyus too. I'd be far less worried if I were using a MM conical profile than say an MC eliptical.
