Tracking Force for AKG P8ES

I had one 20 years ago. If my memory serves, I think I set it at between 1.1g and 1.2g. But if you have one that old, its suspension must have changed and I am not sure if that VTF still work.

Thank you very much for your information. Yes, you are quite right that it is an used cartridge that goes with its original turntable manufactured about 18 years ago. I bought this turntable as my first step extending from the world of digital to analog. Would you mind elaborating a little further what is the change of the suspension and VTF(vertical tracking force?) in your response? By the way, was AKG P8ES a great cartridge at that time?

I consider it one of the best MM at that time and it was my favorite. It was very smooth sounding with a sweet and detailed mid-range, great for classical and jazz. I can’t say for sure how an 18 year old AKG will sound because I don’t have it any more. But after so many years, no matter how well it has been cared for, the suspension will be stiffening and will affect its tracking ability. That means you will need to increase VTF a bit to compensate. I remember the P8ES has a wide recommended VTF range and I think 1.2g is already at or near the max (I don’t recall what the min was but it was well below 1g). So why don’t you start with 1.2g and see how it works.