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Tracking Force Gauges

I have only coarsely adjusted VTF on my cartridge using a Shure gauge and taking into account the ~ 0.3g overshoot some have reported.

I would like to embark on a careful study of the sensitivity of the sound attributes to small deviations within the recommended mfg's range. I'm curious to know what high VTF sounds like compared to low VTF and to find an optimum setting.

To do this I'm interested in your recommendations on digital VTF gauges with 0.01g accuracy.

I've heard about the MyWeigh scale and others. It seems like the my weigh scale is a traditional looking digital scale in that the measuring platform is very wide with the load cell likley centered beneath the platform. I'm not sure that one gets repeatable and accurate results if the cartridge were to be placed near the edge of the platform if the arm can't be moved in such a way.

Any thoughts on accurate VTF measurements?

Andrew
aoliviero
ctm_cra
86 posts
 
There appear to be more than one digital gauge in the $90-$100 range. Anyone have a comment on the one shown here:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek&1149492338

vs. this one:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1151348864
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
CTM,you have to pay closer attention!The first guage(which I have,and like)measures to 1/1000's.The second guage is only measured in 1/10's!This is a big difference in the ability to get the most from a good cartridge!Though the ability to measure to 1/100's is all we really need,so the extra range of guage #1 is a bonus.

Best!
albertporter's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
I have a Winds and am tempted to buy that $95.00 gauge anyway, before they raise their price.

That is a VERY fine looking stylus gauge for less than $100.00, did you notice they offered free shipping as well?
albertporter's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Update:

I just ordered one of these based on the comments here. I will let you know how it measures against my 1/100ths gram Winds after it arrives.

Even if it's not perfect, once the "correct" weight is determined, the user can repeat that perfect setting anytime.

That's the real value of any stylus force gauge, repeatability in very fine increments.
tubes108
153 posts
 
Per comments mentioned above. Agreed, it is proper to measure VTF when the arm height is the same as when the stylus is in the groove.

The Clearaudio Exact gauge does have this coveted ability as the measuring platform is quite thin! As such, placing the the Clearaudio gauge on top of a platter and dialing in exact VTF is a simple task. It is a very functional stylus force gauge.
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