Does tracking force change frequency response?

[FONSguy]

So does tracking force alter frequency response? I 'think' I can hear a difference between 1.1 and 1.6. More tracking force, less high end, or am I crazy??

 

[62caddy]

Too little tracking force will increase distortion and groove wear. Better to err on the side of higher tracking force than too little.

I doubt FR is being significantly affected in the tracking range you provided assuming it is also within the manufacturer's recommended range.

 

[911s55]

You might be crazy but as far as the reduction in high end, adding tracking force can often smooth out sibilance, spitty splashy vocals, cymbals etc.

 

[WaynerN]

When you keep adding VTF and start approaching the cartridge's tracking limits, things are going to change.

Imagine that you had a truck. Things go pretty good until you load the pick-up box with a full load of wood. The behavior of the truck changes, less responsive, groggy. Same effect as a loaded down cartridges. I like going the "recommended" VTF.

 

[lini]

Fg: Yes, of course it does - as the SRA & VTA change with the tracking force (unless you'd compensate for that, of course...).

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

edit: typo extermination - "racking force"... *lol*

 

[TobascoKid]

Depending on how I phrase the answer determines whether it gets accepted…or stomped on.

You have great ears and you got it right.

Our cartridge cantilevers are on pivots. By increasing tracking force, this act forces the cantilever magnet (or irons) downwards – away from their ideal magnetic positions. The signal weakens. The weaker treble fades away first leaving the stronger bass to dominate.

The world shakes if I correctly say that we get less treble. Everything remains calm if I wrongly say that we get more bass.

I could add that to get the most performance you need to use the least tracking force that hugs your grooves. But I won’t.

 

[bimasta]

I could add that to get the most performance you need to use the least tracking force that hugs your grooves. But I won’t.

No, you got it right the first time, Tobasco — "this forces the magnet (or irons) away from their ideal magnetic position" — "the least tracking force that hugs your grooves" is a far lesser consideration...IMO...