• 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

It just feels so wrong.

You'll get used to it. If it is in good shape and installed properly I'd be content. It is important that we track in the recomended range to reduce record wear and get the right sound.

I think the 2.0 g my Nagoaka MP11 is tracking at is as high as I wish to go. Anouther .25 g isn't a big deal. I think many popular cartridges track in the 1.6 - 2.3 g range, so your's is at the higher end of the range, still reasonable.
 
Last edited:
Keep in mind that any cartridge, especially an MC may not be a "set it and forget it" proposition.

When brand new, this cartridge may favor a middle of the road, or at the heavier suggested end VTF. As it breaks in, and accumilates hours of play, one can then begin to experiment, backing off is very small increments of .1g.

Trust your ears. There will be a "magic", and best setting at any given point in time, and age of this cartridge as the suspension loosens up.

Go too light, and distortion will begin setting in on dynamic transients, crescendos.
Don't rely on torture test records. One does not listen to these for enjoyment, and they are pretty much worthless for setting optimum VTF. Mark
 
At this moment I'm playing Rosemary Clooney & Duke Ellington "Blue Rose" with an Ortofon cartridge tracking at 3.0 grams. Sounds fantastic.

I don't know why there's such fear of tracking forces beyond 1 or 2 grams?
 
cactuscowboy said:
At this moment I'm playing Rosemary Clooney & Duke Ellington "Blue Rose" with an Ortofon cartridge tracking at 3.0 grams. Sounds fantastic.

I don't know why there's such fear of tracking forces beyond 1 or 2 grams?
Click to expand...

Rosemary Clooney with Duke Ellington!!!!!! Hell yeah!!!
 
Bob_in_OKC said:
Now, I'm using a cartridge that has a recommended force of 2.0 to 2.5 grams, so I have it at 2.25. It just feels wrong. I still can't quite get used to the idea of letting this barbell down on the record. But so it is. At least it sounds good.
Click to expand...

You should then listen to my friend's Garrard 301 with a Shure M3D tracking at 5.0 grams (less will distort with that sylus). In the late '50s the M3D was state of the art and there isn't any report of it damaging records...

Ah, and the sound is wonderful.

2.25 grams is featherweight, it's a gentle caress on the records.
 
I've acclimated to feeling OK with the Shure SC35c at 4.5 grams on my Rek-O-Kut (w/o antiskate). I still won't put my good Coltrane LPs under it, but I'm not nearly as scared as I was in the beginning.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom