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Question on VTF (What should i adjust it to?)

Hi Everyone,

As I continue to proceed down the sinkhole that is Analog Audio.  I was checking the specs on the Cartridge and they specify a range of .3g as what is right.

Me being really analytical and obsessed with what is right, where should one start on setting their VTF to?  I split the baby in the middle and added .15g to the min and have it had it that way since. But now I am thinking should i move it up or move it down?  What should i hear with over and under proper value tracking force?

Thanks as always for the help,

K
kro77
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,638 posts
 
Look it up. They all have ranges and/or optimum.  
Fine tune with your ears.
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,041 posts
 
General rule. Lower end of VTF tends to give a brighter, more detailed and slightly lighter presentation. Can mistrack if you go too low. Higher end of tracking force tends toward darker and heavier sound. May vary with cartridge. The same variation tends to occur with VTA with tonearm higher at the back being brighter and lower at the back being duller. 
lewm
13,436 posts
 
Funny how "low" VTF gives a "lighter" presentation, while "high" VTF (within the recommended range) gives a "heavier" presentation.  And yet some people will argue there is no such thing as subconscious bias.  No insult attended toward you, noromance.  I just couldn't help noticing.  Black components sound "dark".  Silver chassis's sound airy.  Gold chassis's sound warm and rich.
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,041 posts
 
Except, it's an actual phenomenon. I just brought the Decca down to 1.55 from 1.65 and the metal percussion on the Doc Evans album on the table moved three feet into the room. 
dover
2,288 posts
 
@kro77 

If the cartridge is brand new, I set it at the upper range of tracking until it is run in.
After a week of running in, I then revisit the tracking force usually set to middle of range. I also revisit VTA after run in and tracking force optimised.

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