Lyra Etna Lambda SL tracking force


On another thread @newtoncr posted a question about VTF for the Etna Lambda SL cartridge: he queried whether his preferred tracking force of 1.8 - 1.9 g (mounted on an SME Series V arm) was OK given this was outside Lyra's recommended range of 1.62 - 1.72 g. 

The instructions that came with the Etna Lambda SL I've just had installed on a Linn Ekos SE arm state: 

‘Note that Etna SL (Lambda) features a new high-performance asymmetrical damping system, designed to make the signal coils precisely parallel to the front and rear magnets during play. The angle between signal coils and magnets is affected by tracking force, and we strongly advise not to deviate beyond our 1.68-1.78g guidelines. Setting tracking force so that the cantilever is exactly perpendicular to the (yellow) front magnet carrier during play should result in the largest dynamic range and best sound.’

For me the sweet spot appears to be 1.75g, at which setting the cantilever is still not exactly perpendicular to the magnet carrier (see photo) – suggesting that there is scope for further increasing VTF.

As the cartridge is breaking in I'm reluctant to increase tracking force. I'm wondering if anyone on here with experience of Lyra cartridges has used the 'perpendicular alignment' method?  

 

 

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Showing 1 response by boothroyd

While you’re waiting on a response from jcarr, you might try lowering your tonearm height just a small touch with the recommended VTF applied. Since this tonearm should be a perfect, dynamically stable performer in it’s vertical plane, VTF will most likely not be affected by VTA/arm height.

My thinking is through suspension/cantilever deflection, the heavier VTF may be giving your ETNA the VTA it’s wanting. Just a thought . . .