What is the reason for having a recommended VTF in the first place? It is because up inside the cartridge at the other end of the cantilever is where the signal is generated. In a MC it is coils moving within a magnetic field. In a MM it is the reverse, magnets moving with the coils fixed. Either way, the generator needs to be aligned and centered.
This is the reason for VTF. Without adequate VTF the cartridge will not angle the cantilever enough to center the generator. With too much VTF it will be off center because angled too much. Anywhere with the recommended range will be fine, at least as far as the generator goes.
As far as your ears go however, could be a different story. There should be no mistracking either way. Tracking should not be a problem anywhere within the recommended range. If there is the solution is not more VTF, it is more cartridge. But if you try a little more or less VTF and one sounds better than the other, and you are still within the correct range, then by all means go with what you prefer.
There is no "right" or "wrong" VTF any more than there is a right or wrong VTA, or cartridge loading. Or tone arm mount, or platter mat, or clamp- or any of a dozen other things that are all down to user preference.
Some will tell you it's for wear. As if a hundredth of a gram is going to matter. Wear is a function of stylus profile and moving mass and a bunch of other things that are all way more important than VTF. Don't believe me, check into the Soundsmith Strain Gauge 1, a cartridge with the same VTF as all the others but near zero wear due to its extremely low moving mass.
This is the reason for VTF. Without adequate VTF the cartridge will not angle the cantilever enough to center the generator. With too much VTF it will be off center because angled too much. Anywhere with the recommended range will be fine, at least as far as the generator goes.
As far as your ears go however, could be a different story. There should be no mistracking either way. Tracking should not be a problem anywhere within the recommended range. If there is the solution is not more VTF, it is more cartridge. But if you try a little more or less VTF and one sounds better than the other, and you are still within the correct range, then by all means go with what you prefer.
There is no "right" or "wrong" VTF any more than there is a right or wrong VTA, or cartridge loading. Or tone arm mount, or platter mat, or clamp- or any of a dozen other things that are all down to user preference.
Some will tell you it's for wear. As if a hundredth of a gram is going to matter. Wear is a function of stylus profile and moving mass and a bunch of other things that are all way more important than VTF. Don't believe me, check into the Soundsmith Strain Gauge 1, a cartridge with the same VTF as all the others but near zero wear due to its extremely low moving mass.