• 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

Can’t get enough tracking force for cartridge?

H

harrisonjr98

New Member
Hey all! A bit of a noob question here I’m sure. I’ve been collecting for a long time but only recently getting into the finer details of my setup. The turntable in question is a new-to-me Technics 1200M3D, and the cart is an Audio-Technica VM95E. The table came with a headshell that has a screw-in 4g weight. Since I am not DJing I am hoping to go without that headshell weight to decrease overall mass.

Long story short- I am attempting to use the VM95E and matching headshell that came with it, but I can only get it to ~1.5g tracking force (according both my scale and the tonearm marking) before the tonearm counterweight is as far “forward” as it goes. Recommended for this cart is 1.8-2.2g. Obviously if I used the old headshell with the +4g weight I could get tracking force to ~2g easily, but I’d rather 1) decrease overall mass if I can help it and 2) better understand what’s actually happening here. Do I need a heavier/lighter counterweight? Is that such a thing for the 1200? I was under the impression that VM95E is a common pairing for this table, and I am seeing limited forum discussion of headshell weights outside the DJ world. This table was only ever in a home audio system before I owned it and never used for DJing, and so I think the headshell/counterweight are original.

Any help would be incredibly appreciated!
 
Register to hide this ad
That's really odd...that cart should be a perfect fit at 6g and a stock arm (12g), compliance-wise. Can you load photos of the "matching headshell" for the VM95E or link?

You might want to check the back of the counterweight. They're threaded and you can fit an additional weight on the end...looks like a smaller silver cylinder...previous owner may have attached one. Just screw it out if they did.
 
Hoytis said:
That's really odd...that cart should be a perfect fit at 6g and a stock arm (12g), compliance-wise. Can you load photos of the "matching headshell" for the VM95E or link?

You might want to check the back of the counterweight. They're threaded and you can fit an additional weight on the end...looks like a smaller silver cylinder...previous owner may have attached one. Just screw it out if they did.
Click to expand...
Here is a picture of counterweight unthreaded in my hand (there was no additional weight as far as I could tell) and the headshell that comes with the VM95E.

IMG_8760.jpeg IMG_8761.jpeg
 
This is what the back of the tonearm looks like with counterweight removed. I don’t see an extra weight- tried spinning lightly on the end tip part and seems to just be the tonearm itself.
 
harrisonjr98 said:
No kidding! A little more elbow grease and it screwed right off. 10.5g, according to the scale. Mystery solved, then! Thanks so much.
Click to expand...
I was just going to say, in that last photo you sent it definitely looks like an aux counter weight there! Glad you figured it out. Happy spinning.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom