Vertical tracking force for Lyra etna lambda sl catridge


I have the Lyra etna lambda sl catridge mounted on a sme series v arm on a sme 30/2 table .
the recommended vtf is 1.62-1.72 gms. To me it sounds better with vtf of 1.8-1.9 gms. Will I be harming the needle by using a higher than recommended vtf.
thank you in advance to all vinyls gurus for ur advice .
newtoncr
With the SME V that would be very high. Level for the V is based on the horizontal lines on the tapered arm. Steve Leung of VAS recommends level or slightly down for the Atlas. He rebuilt my cart.
@jperry @geof3 ,
my sme v is set up by don better of don better audio and he has the base of the arm slightly lower than the shell.  Is that recommended or should I make it flat horizontal as in the instruction manual . I have not experimented with either position . Didn’t want to change setup by the professional without good advice as I am new to accurate rig like this . I am used to rega plug and play till now .
The vtf I did adjust , he had set it at 1.9, When I reduced it to below 1.8 the sound started deteriorating. I have it a 1.82 now .
thanks everyone for your advice 
@newtoncr

my sme v is set up by don better of don better audio


Hey, fellow Clevelander  ? ;-) Lakewood here.