Should my tracking force already be set?

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Peter_Klim

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My old cart 5.2 gram (Dynavector 17D3) recommended 1.8-2 grams tracking force, and my new 7.2 gram cart (Ortolan RED 2M) recommends 1.8 gram tracking force. So if my old cart was set up correctly, should just swapping out to the new one automatically be correctly set up? Just for a few seconds, I place a penny to see if it would get rid of some slight audio distortion I've been noticing and it did. So I guess I need to adjust it for more tracking force? What is a good gauge to get? This any good?

http://www.needledoctor.com/LKG-Stylus-Force-Gauge

http://www.needledoctor.com/core/media/media.nl?id=169849&c=ACCT106601&h=c6424e8dc22d1cc04df0
 
My old cart 5.2 gram (Dynavector 17D3) recommended 1.8-2 grams tracking force, and my new 7.2 gram cart (Ortolan RED 2M) recommends 1.8 gram tracking force. So if my old cart was set up correctly, should just swapping out to the new one automatically be correctly set up?

not at all, you have to take into account the weight differential between the two cartridges. Not to mention the alignment could be different on the headshell thus changing distance from stylus to pivot point of arm, all of which effects VTF


What is a good gauge to get? This any good?

http://www.needledoctor.com/LKG-Stylus-Force-Gauge

yes, that's fine, if you check on Amazon you may find less expensive alternatives.
 
Good advice from Dave. Most importantly Peter, the thickness (height) of each cart may be different so, when you initially setup the scales on the platter, you should strive to adjust VTA such that the cartridge and tonearm are 100% horizontal/level.
If not you may experience a VTF error.
Exactly how big that error is depends on the degree of inclination of the tonearm.
(Errors of this type also depend on the design of the tonearm and the natural position of the pivot in relation the cartridge).

Another important warning : remember to tape or blu tac the platter into a fixed position before weighing. If it moves during weighing it could be curtains for your cartridge.

As an aside, stray magnetic fields e.g. from the cartridge itself, can also cause baseline errors on digital gauges so watch for a "shift" in the zero reading as the cartridge approaches. Cartridges have VERY powerful magnets inside.
Good luck !
 
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