• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

How worried should I be about damaging LPs with a heavy arm and 3+grm VTF?

Brett a

Brett a

~◦●○o0o○●◦~
I did some searching and was surprised that I couldn't get this question answered.

Where should I draw the line with what LPs I put under a heavy arm w/high VTF?

I really love my newly rebuilt Rek-O-Kut L-37. So much so that the Well Tempered has been collecting dust for the most part. I've currently get the ROK S-120 arm mounted with a Stanton 500 II with a conical stylus tracking at 3.5 grams.

I'll keep my very best LPs off of it, but what about nice common titles? (Brubeck post-'71 Stereo pressing of Time Out for example) Will this heavy arm and heavy tracker damage the LPs? If so, how fast?

What about a Shure SC35C conical tracking 5 or 6 grams?

I wanna enjoy my LPs but not destroy them. Any advice would be most appreciated.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
As long as it is set up and aligned right, it shouldn't. Even the SC35c. Just a misconception.


Ben aka MacKat
 
A friend was telling me not long ago that his cart has a manufacturer recommended VTF up to 1.75g on the range, but he is running it at 2.2g because he says it sounds & tracks better so he been running it that way for about a half year.
I just said okay, don't know the long term affect.
 
I wouldn't worry if the stylus is in good shape and your records are clean. With the Stanton 500, you're actually using the proper type of low compliance cartridge and heavier VTF needed with the ROK S-120 tonearm.

I use a Stanton 500 with an Empire 980 tonearm, tracking at about 3 grams. I'm pretty happy with it's sound and trackability. Judging by what the Ortofon SPU cartridges are intended to track at......3-4 grams. I'm not too worried about record wear, due to using a heavier VTF.
 
Last edited:
When I first was into vinyl I had a cheap Garrard turntable and it never ruined my records. Luckily I was anal about clean vinyl..
 
I routinely run my Stanton 500 with 0.7 mil conical stylus at 4~5 grams VTF. There is no way it's damaging records and there's nothing to worry about. That's assuming the records are clean of course.
 
Brett a said:
thanks everyone. that sets my mind at ease.

i' really enjoying this Stanton 500ii BTW.
Click to expand...

Congrats on the new turntable and I'm happy to hear you're enjoying the Stanton 500. I use this cartridge for spinning 78s and it sounds great. I think the Stanton doesn't get taken seriously by "audiophiles" cuz it's inexpensive. In reality, it's very good.
 
The 500 isn't a bad cart. Its not crazy high end expensive, but it sounds good for a good price. The only downside is that you can't get lightweight tracking stylii for it anymore, at least not new production OEM ones. The new conicals are plenty good in something that needs a little more weight like a changer or something with a massy arm. I have a couple things with Pickering V15s, which are twins to the Stanton 500, and really have nothing bad to say for them. I can tell you they sound way better with OEM Stanton or Pickering stylii than generics though.
 
cactuscowboy said:
Congrats on the new turntable and I'm happy to hear you're enjoying the Stanton 500. I use this cartridge for spinning 78s and it sounds great. I think the Stanton doesn't get taken seriously by "audiophiles" cuz it's inexpensive. In reality, it's very good.
Click to expand...
You know, it may be hard for some to believe, but i actually prefer the 500 to the Denon DL-103 I had on the same arm. And it's about $30 compared to $225.
 
Brett a said:
You know, it may be hard for some to believe, but i actually prefer the 500 to the Denon DL-103 I had on the same arm. And it's about $30 compared to $225.
Click to expand...


Wow! If that's the case, I'll stick with my 500 and save some bucks. I was seriously considering upgrading to a Denon 103 in the future. The added cost of the cartridge and additional purchase of a MC capable phono pre-amp really starts to add up!

In comparison....If the Denon DL-103 is not a significant improvement in sound, then I'll continue to use the affordable Stanton 500! Would the DL-103R be any different?
 
Last edited:
Brett a said:
You know, it may be hard for some to believe, but i actually prefer the 500 to the Denon DL-103 I had on the same arm. And it's about $30 compared to $225.
Click to expand...

Right... doesn't have to be an expensive hobby. :thmbsp:

I have not heard the DL-103, so I can't comment on it.
 
I'm guessing the tracking weight on my 1948 Philco TOTL console (D-10 TT) with an early early magnetic cartridge is over whatever that line is. 48 grams.

No, I don't actually use it. :D
 
Now that you mention it I don't remember for sure. The LP came out in about '48 so it may be a table dedicated to 78s. Even at that, you can play a 78 at 3g with a modern cartridge and stylus designed for 78s. I keep it around to scare people.
 
Probably 78's. That must have been just after the "beam of light" pickups. I'd like one of those, they're just too darn cool.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom