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Tracking Force - Where to set it?

So a few weeks back I posted regarding distortion I was getting out of my right channel (Rega p25 w/ shure v15 xyz). I got a lot of help, much appreciated. It turned out that my real problem was not with the cartridge or table, but that I had followed Shure's recommendation to set tracking at 1-1/2 grams! Turns out that the bottoming-out and distortion I was hearing was cured by turning the tracking force up to about 1.75 to 2-1/4 grams, depending on the record.

The question now is, (1) is there an optimal tracking force, and (2) will force as high as 2-2.5 grams damage the stylus or vinyl?
dogrange
pbb
1,140 posts
 
Do get a gauge, do not rely on the calibration found on the arm. The Shure V15's tracking force has to be set higher (the 1 gram stated above, I believe, is correct) to compensate for the brush stabilizer. In fact, the V-15 normally tracks perfectly well at the minimum tracking force recommended and does save hardship on the delicate grooves, just be sure you actually have set that weight correctly. If in doubt (which should not be the case when using a gauge), set it a tiny bit higher. Good day.
dogrange OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I do have a shure stylus force gauge that I use to set the actual tracking force. My actual tracking force is close to 2 grams (accounting for the brush on the V15), quite a bit higher than the 1 gram recommended by shure. I can back it off a bit, but at the recommended force it distorts at certain frequencies. I guess I'll leave it at 1.5-1/75 as long as that won't hurt my records.
sean
6,231 posts
 
Exactly which V15 are you using ? Your post does not make this clear. I ask this as some of the earlier V15's are known to produce non-linear distortions as amplitude increases. If what you are experiencing is not a volume related issue, i would think that something is not set up correctly. Any of the V15 cartridges are reasonably good "trackers" and should be able to easily stay in the groove with a "real" 1 gram of tracking pressure applied. Sean
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pbb
1,140 posts
 
His first post indicated the most recent model, so that should be a V15 V xMR, I guess. So with the proper tracking force set with a guauge and with the proper compensation for the brush stabilizer, maybe the anti-skate should be varied slightly to see if that works better. BTW, what tracks better than this Shure?
maxgain
526 posts
 
If in fact it is the latest V15, you can lock that stupid brush in the up position and pretend it does'nt exist! Then go back and check your alignment, over hang, azimuth,anti scate, Etc. Finnaly re set your force. Start with a gram and if that won't track then move up slowly but I would not got above 1.5 with this thing. I think that too much force kills the life of the sound with this cart. and makes it sound closed in and dead.
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