Btw, the link I posted above from the Ortofon site includes VAT ca 20% which is removed when shipped out of EU.
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- 51 posts total
I have used two (because the first eventually failed) of the cheap generic Chinese scales. When I bought a Riverstone scale there was an issue that might catch others out, as it did for me for a couple of minutes. I set it up, calibrated it, and then recalibrated with the 'record level arm' attached. It worked perfectly, showing 5g with the calibrating weight on the target pad. My cheapo Chinese scale also showed 5g with the weight on. The issue came when trying to check the actual VTF of my cartridges. When the cheap Chinese said 2g, the Riverstone said 0.5g. Eventually I figured out that the cheap Chinese scale was a lot higher above the turntable platter, and I was measuring the VTF with the tonearm still raised somewhat, and still being held up slightly by the arm lift. Once I put the Riverstone scale under the stylus, the reading of 0.5g went to 2g as soon as I lowered the tonearm lever. A simple issue, but one that might catch out the unwary, as it did me for a couple of minutes. Perhaps the main message I should pass on is that both scales agree once the tonearm is completely lowered. Very likely the mechanism inside is exactly the same. |
@dogberry no kidding!!! That’s exactly the issue I ran into. Cheap scale svrewd it up by slightly over a gram Riverstone was dead accurate. |
The Ortofon DS3 has no auto calibration system. One recommendation I would have for everyone would be to buy some calibration weights - 1g, 2g. This will enable you to quantify any errors in your chosen scale. If you know the size of any errors, than at least you can allow for that when you take readings. I always weigh stylus force at record level, no matter what arm. |
- 51 posts total