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Tracking force and Unipivot tonearms

I have a Benz Glider and the "recommended" tracking force is 1.8 to 2.2 grams. I am tracking at about 2.4 or 2.5 just to keep it in the grooves during hot peaks on some records. A audiophile friend told me it is not uncommon especially with unipivots to set tracking force at 10 percent or higher than the recommended tracking force. The cart sounds much more full, less sibilant and a more solid sound at the sacrifice of a less air at this heavier tracking force.

Has anyone else found it absolutely necessary to set tracking forces much higher than the recommended force? My friend said it will not damage the cartridge or records at 2.4 or 2.5 grams. He said I should not get hung up on recommended tracking force as all tonearms are different and that it is just the "recommneded" tracking force
tzh21y
tzh21y OP
1,654 posts
 
I have done VTA adjustments until I was blue in the face. The comment by Jdaniel is interesting. After thinking about it, I am not sure if their is much difference in tracking when comparing what I remember in my first turntable, remember the old MCS JCPenney direct drive table and the Scout JMW 9. Maybe their is more detail and a lower noise floor with the Scout but I certainly expected a better result considering I paid $1,800.00 for it. It seems because of the antiskate that VPI does not believe in, it causes considerable wear on the stylus thus hampering performance. I mean if you spend a grand on a cartridge, you would want it to perform well beyond a month.
tzh21y OP
1,654 posts
 
The denon does indeed track well on this table. However, after about a half hour, my ears feel like they are about to bleed
jdaniel13
129 posts
 
That's unfortunate about the Denon cart's sound. I, too, miss the lower noise floor and greater dynamics of my Scoutmaster/Dyna compared to my thrift Technics but that's about it. The AT cart throws a warm, detailed and "big" sound in which I revel daily, hooked up to Vandersteen 3a sigs, LOL. The ability to just play any record with complete confidence is priceless. I wish though I had tried the AT120 cart or 150mlx on the Scoutmaster before selling the whole thing. It just seemed so counter-intuitive.
tzh21y OP
1,654 posts
 
I think the issue with the Denon is resonance. It sounds great. I just get listening fatigue with it. Maybe a higher mass arm would be perfect. That would be interesting to try one of those carts on my scout.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
So what now, the manufacturer knows squat about what's the correct VTF for the products they design and make? C'mon, really?

Monty Python indeed.

I have to stir the pot just a lil' bit.
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