What is your cartridge and tracking force used


Share your actual setup or numerous setup you liked.

Actual for me: Grado Reference Platinum with recommended 1.5g (from .75 to 2) tracking force. Im still trying to find the best one but im always coming back to 1.5.

Thanks
dobermann

Showing 6 responses by sonofjim

Raul,
I haven't experimented with all those tiny increments in VTF. I use a digital scale that reads to the hundredth of a gram so I report what the readout says but I'm not sure how important hundredths of a gram are. I do have the other parameters you mention dialed in to the best of my ability. I try to get VTF into a pre-determined range(for the LP I wanted between 1.9 and 2 gms)as I'm setting everything else. Once it's sounding good I tend not to mess with it.
Benz LP 1.94, Shelter 90x 1.89. No antiskate, just higher range tracking force. Works for me.
I agree it is somewhat tiresome to mess with the VTF/azimuth on these arms. That's why when it's sounding good I tend not to mess with it too. Trying to change VTF by one or two hundredths of a gram would almost be insanely tedious. Luckily I find I'm quite satisfied to be in a narrow range. When setting this, Mike at VPI says it's essential to have the arm level while the cartridge is on the scale to get an accurate reading. If it's not, when you return to a record you will be under tracking. I really find that a descent digital scale makes this go much easier. The recommendation to keep the counterweight just loose enough to move is a good one. In my case, I've had more success with the rod/by ear method of azimuth adjustment than doing it electronically. I have a marked wooden dowel that I can quickly place at various points around the rod that helps greatly in leveling it.
Stringreen,
Just rechecked the LP and the VTF is actually now reading 2.03. I was a bit surprised by this but I've been really enjoying the sound lately. The suggested range goes up to 2.2 and of course VPI recommends tracking on the heavy side, especially with no anti-skate. All other parameters are still dead on(I raise the arm to parallel when measuring VTF as suggested by Mike at VPI). I'm wondering if I should try lighter VTF or just leave it alone. How did you arrive at 1.8? Do you raise the arm to level when you measure this? Is it preferable to the 2 gm range? Things sound good enough I'm not sure I want to touch it.
I actually forgot about the fine tracking force adjustment and will experiment with that. In the past, I've found it doesn't change the VTF much but for these tiny adjustments it should be just the thing once you're in a good range. This morning I've been working on something new to double check the azimuth with the rod technique. I've simply modified the notecard recommended by Stringreen for leveling the arm initially. I cut an oval out of the folded card big enough to set it over the arm just behind the headshell. I noticed it wasn't sitting quite flat so I attached paper clips to the top edges on each side and slid them in and out until the card sits flat. Now from the front I have a level line to compare the rod with. I still double check this with my marked wooden dowel and wooden blocks similar to Stringreen's Cardas blocks but I'm finding the notecard adds a nice additional frame of reference for comparison. If this sounds like a Jerry-rigged affair, it's because it is I guess but so far I've found it very handy and effective.