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what is the problem with too much tracking force?

I have a Lyra Delos on a Michell Tecnodec.  The dealer set it up for me.  2 years later, I would like to learn to do this myself.  I bought the MOFI Geo Disc alignment tool, a digital stylus scale, a powerful magnifier, and an ultrasonic stylus cleaner.  I am ready to up my game with my vinyl hobby.  I was on the sidelines too long!

The first thing I did was to weigh the VTF with the scale with my table set up as it has been for a couple of years.  It came in at 1.95g.  The Lyra documentation suggests 1.75, so clearly I am tracking too heavy.  Before I correct this, what is the issue?  Is there something I should look for when I change it to 1.75?

Any advice before I do this adjustment would be much appreciated!
marktomaras
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
In my estimation there is:

Not enough VTF
Enough VTF
More than enough VTF
Too much VTF

In my experience with two Delos carts, measuring VTF with a 3 place digimeter, I aim for 1.80, what I feel is the Enough VTF setting. These both on VPI Aries 2 Black and Technics SL1200 Mk2 tables.

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cleeds
5,986 posts
 
marktomaras
" ... what is your advice?  1.76 exactly?  What would you expect the issues may be with 1.95 of force as the table is at now versus the proper 1.76?"

I think it's generally wise to follow the manufacturer's  recommendation.  In this case, you may have some increased stylus and/or vinyl wear because of too much VTF.  But I think that's unlikely, especially because the recommended VTF is within such as narrow range.
infection's avatar
infection
808 posts
 
FWIW my upgraded Skala on an Origin Live Illustrious arm is at 1.75 & tracking is absolutely fine. 
cousinbillyl
190 posts
 
When you wrote the dealer does final setup by ear, that's the ticket.

Let's look at it this way: The diamond on the end of the cantilever is kinda small. This diamond may have been installed by a human hand, or with a small 'guide', then glued. Does the glue allow a fraction of 'creep'?. Is the hole accepting the diamond perfect?.

It is likely no diamond is exactly perfect.

Final alignment should always be done by ear. Protractors are a starting point. Azimuth is my single most important 'fine tune'. VTA changes with album thickness.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Tracking to heavy will get you a closed in sound with no air.
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