Tracking Force - Where to set it?


So a few weeks back I posted regarding distortion I was getting out of my right channel (Rega p25 w/ shure v15 xyz). I got a lot of help, much appreciated. It turned out that my real problem was not with the cartridge or table, but that I had followed Shure's recommendation to set tracking at 1-1/2 grams! Turns out that the bottoming-out and distortion I was hearing was cured by turning the tracking force up to about 1.75 to 2-1/4 grams, depending on the record.

The question now is, (1) is there an optimal tracking force, and (2) will force as high as 2-2.5 grams damage the stylus or vinyl?
dogrange

Showing 2 responses by pbb

His first post indicated the most recent model, so that should be a V15 V xMR, I guess. So with the proper tracking force set with a guauge and with the proper compensation for the brush stabilizer, maybe the anti-skate should be varied slightly to see if that works better. BTW, what tracks better than this Shure?
Do get a gauge, do not rely on the calibration found on the arm. The Shure V15's tracking force has to be set higher (the 1 gram stated above, I believe, is correct) to compensate for the brush stabilizer. In fact, the V-15 normally tracks perfectly well at the minimum tracking force recommended and does save hardship on the delicate grooves, just be sure you actually have set that weight correctly. If in doubt (which should not be the case when using a gauge), set it a tiny bit higher. Good day.