Digital Stylus Force Gauge: Which One??


OK, so now I'm in the market for a digital stylus force gauge The Music Direct catalog lists several choices in the $ 250 to $ 350 range from Clearaudio, Wally Tools and The Cartridge Man...as well as the ultra expensive Winds. Leaving the latter aside for now, would appreciate any input from users of the other brands. Particularly interested in the Wally Tools versions, since MD claims that these are the "only ones" that measure force at exactly LP record level....
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Showing 1 response by gregm

I DO have a use for a digital gauge -- but it's practical for reference rather than set-up purposes. I set the basic VTF using a good'ole Ortofon thingy (or a Shure) and then fine-tune by ear. The increments in the fine-tuning are difficult to measure -- hence the use of the digital readings on mega$$ gauges, to keep reference of the exact force (my arm doesn't offer digital out readings for VTF). So, IMO, I still don't see the need for the digital in your case (i.e. you're sure you need the extra 0,01gram & if so, why not just try some extra force...)
But then again, I'm a sloppy audiophile...

Side notes you may enjoy:
a) I don't actually own a digital, so I have to keep borrowing one whenever I'm in tweak mood (typically winter, summer & when I'm out of tranquilisers).
b) The Ortofon thingy was actually given to me by a Clearaudio person (OK, I own one of their serious$ cartridges...)