is tracking force determined by needle or cartridge?

[hugz]

I might in the future swap the needle on my relatively-high-tracking-force cartridge. With the different model needle, should the tracking force be reduced?

I'd be putting a hifi needle into a DJ cartridge (tracking ~2.5g)

 

[MacNoob]

Tracking force is as per the specification for the stylus, not the cartridge.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

What cartridge do you own? It dictates your options. Stanton 680/681, and Ortofon OM based cartridges have wide choices. And some Shure DJ have options.

 

[hugz]

Grado DJ100 (or DJ200.... I'm still not sure). They ebay store seller just chucked it in free when I bought my Rega Planar 2. I think they just had it lying around the shop, which is why they put a DJ cart on a hifi turntable.

Someone recommended to me (in another thread) to put a Grado 8MZ needle on it, which I'm getting tempted to do. I use it for hifi, not for DJing

 

[KentTeffeteller]

It's more HiFi cartridge than DJ cartridge. Sounds great, but not good for back cueing. Fine for what you wish to do. And can accept regular Prestige series styli.

 

[hifitommy]

use the cartridge manufacturers recommended force at the higher end of their recommendation. this will avoid mistracking and NOT damage the LPs.

 

[iLUVanalog]

I might in the future swap the needle on my relatively-high-tracking-force cartridge. With the different model needle, should the tracking force be reduced?

I'd be putting a hifi needle into a DJ cartridge (tracking ~2.5g)

Three things determine tracking force range:...
Stylus
Suspension
Dynamic compliance