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Need help with Ortofon stylus force gauge

I've spent the day assembling a Teres 265, Illustrious arm and Shelter 901 for a friend. Included in the package is an Ortofon stylus force gauge which reads in mN. The only clue I have about this piece is that 10 mN = 1 gram. I would like to set it at 1.8 grams for starters since the range for this cartridge is 1.4 - 2.0 grams. Does 18 mN equal 1.8 grams? Also, this is a lever type scale with a groove along the scaled end. Do I place the stylus where this 18 mN would be and adjust the counterweight so that the balance itself is level like two equal weights on a teeter totter? I hope I've made this clear. I'm hoping for some input from someone that has experience with the particular gauge. Thanks.

Patrick
lugnut

Showing 3 responses by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
It's almost useless, as Pbb says, but not quite. Stefanl's right, you can get close with the Ortofon and then set by ear. The Ortofon will just help you make sure you're within the 1.4-2.0 range but that's about all.

If the 901's new it needs 40 hours or so to break in before it really opens up and plays. Tell your friend to be patient, it's worth it.

Going off to listen to mine now before a week away. I'll miss it. Sniff...
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Warning! Patrick Lugnut! Warning! Unplug that thing and put it in the garage, now! Otherwise you'll be hooked. Oops, too late. Welcome to the Teres/OL/Shelter club. Even if you're only here on a visitor's visa I predict you'll get your citizenship soon enough. And your friend's got Merlin's and two ZH270's? WooHoo!

Twl and I have both complained to Mark Baker about his documentation. A fifth grader could probably write it better.

Are you sure your cueing problem is due to insufficient liquid? On my Silver I had to raise the horizontal arm support a mm or two. There's a small allen screw on the face of the arm support and my arm came with a wrench to fit. Do it gently, the threads are pretty tiny.

You're right about the armboard hole. CB needs to drill 25mm holes for Rega type arms, not 24mm. Twl and I had the same problem your did.

I've got the same, single thickness board as your friend, and agree a stepped thickness board would be much easier to use. Maybe I'll modify mine like you did, should make it easier to loosen the nut for VTA adjustment. I didn't use the big washer or the toothed one. No need for it that I could see.

BTW, the Expressimo VTA collar and arm nut are MUCH better than the OL ones IMO/E. Give them a look.

Doug
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Patrick,

Very resourceful with the cork and tape fix. We'd expect no less from an experienced Linnie. I've seen the bashing but I've never seen a Linn, so I'll take your word that a used one well adjusted can be a good source at a good price.

65dB total gain (phono + line) is not enough to show all that a Shelter 901 can do, 75-85dB should be better. 150 ohms is a little high, 100 is probably best unless his pre includes a tranny stage. In that case you may want to experiment with loads as low as 20 ohms.

I switched from a SS pre to tubes 12 years ago, having heard just what you described. We have no desire to go back. Prepare to be ruined. :)
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