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Quick question regarding headshell weights

eedork

eedork

Super Member
I have an SL1200mk2 with a new stock Technics headshell and a Sanyo MG29E (aka red Ed) cartridge. For some reason I am only able to get a max of ~ 1 g of tracking force with this setup. Previously I had been using a heavier Stanton headshell, and I had no problems setting the tracking force to ~ 2 g. I assume the Technics headshell is just much lighter, and that I will therefore have to buy a Technics headshell weight. Does this sound right? Does anyone have experience running a red Ed elliptical on an SL1200?

Thanks!
-Matt
 
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Does your table have the extra counter weight on the back end of the tone arm? f it does, remove it. If not then add some weight up front. You can get small weights that atach between the cart and shell, or get a Technics shel with a screw in weight on top.
 
I do not have the extra weight on the end of the tonearm near the counter weight, but I do have the resonance 'plug' from KAB there. I'm not sure how heavy that plug is, but that could definitely be part of the problem. I'll try removing the plug and re-balancing. I'll also buy a headshell weight just in case.

Thanks for the help - I appreciate it!

-Matt
 
The plug is insignificant in weight.

How are you measuring the weight at the cart? Are you using a scale? I have no problem getting 2+ grams with my setup. SL1200Mk2. The only change to the arm is cardis wire and maybe .5 grams of dampening. Stock weight. Kab resonance plug.

I use a digital gram scale at the cart to measure. Before that I was pretty good at balancing the arm and dialing the weight in.
 
I am using the unsophisticated method described in the owners manual for measuring the weight - namely balance the arm, set the ring to 0 (check for balance again), and then turn the counterweight to 2. I seem to run out of room at right around +1 grams. Maybe the red Ed is really light? I'm not sure. I am able to get +2 grams using an old Pickering cartridge.

-Matt
 
I've weighted a few Technics headshells, and they have different weights. Ranging from 7.4g to 9.2g for the ones that I have at the moment. The lighter is the one with three holes and two slots. The heavier is the one with the central screw and the carrier under the headshell. Add some weight to your headshell.
 
The "Red Ed" is only 4.2 grams which is somewhat lighter than the Pickerings, especially if you were using the brush on the Pickering. You can just add "Blu Tack" or similar substance to the top of the headshell or just use a dime.
 
If the cartridge is 4.2gr your going to need either a heavier headshell or add weight to your present headshell.
 
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