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Tracking Force Gauges

I have only coarsely adjusted VTF on my cartridge using a Shure gauge and taking into account the ~ 0.3g overshoot some have reported.

I would like to embark on a careful study of the sensitivity of the sound attributes to small deviations within the recommended mfg's range. I'm curious to know what high VTF sounds like compared to low VTF and to find an optimum setting.

To do this I'm interested in your recommendations on digital VTF gauges with 0.01g accuracy.

I've heard about the MyWeigh scale and others. It seems like the my weigh scale is a traditional looking digital scale in that the measuring platform is very wide with the load cell likley centered beneath the platform. I'm not sure that one gets repeatable and accurate results if the cartridge were to be placed near the edge of the platform if the arm can't be moved in such a way.

Any thoughts on accurate VTF measurements?

Andrew
aoliviero
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
Great posts,by many of you "reliable" guys!!

Just to clear up some of my comments regarding the Build of the Singapore guage,which I DO own,and like enough to have given away(for free,btw)my Audio Parts guage(another nice one,too),my concern about build was only in reference to my friend Sid's Winds guage.It is built like a tank(the Winds).I know the "Singapore special" is alot less money,but I'll bet it costs next to nothing to manufacture,and even at 95 bucks,they could have made it a bit more robust in the density of the plastic.It is SOLEY my little gripe,and taste.
It is clearly "the" guage to have,based on the performance,and it was me who felt my friends should go in on one,with me.Trust me,it was NOT an easy "sell" to them!!Well we did,and ALL like it.
I'm really glad all of you like it as well,as you are some of the nicest hobbyist types I've ever corresponded with.

I'm especially happy that Albert feels it is a good value,since he has the FABULOUS Winds!!Then again Albert seems to have "the fabulous everything"!

Best!
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I'm confused as well, Albert. This scale looks to be just about perfect for taking a reading with the stylus at the same level as it would be sitting on an LP. Just place the scale on your platter and take a reading. Couldn't be more simple.

If Andrew is referring to a method that uses a "normal height" scale without using a jig then I'm not so confused. However, why move VTA at all? That is much more complicated and prone to error than just going ahead with a jig. There is nothing wrong with a jig as long as the scale you're using it with can tare out the weight of the jig and the weight of the jig doesn't overload the scale.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Yeah, this thing works great!
johnbrown
195 posts
 
seems to be the same, but only weighs to hundreths. However, less money, and seems accurate, etc. Shipping was very fast [1 week +/- ]

http://cgi.ebay.com/DIGITAL-STYLUS-GUAGE_W0QQitemZ180000183049QQcategoryZ64620QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
aoliviero OP
269 posts
 
I bought the $95 gauge and I'm extremely happy with it. Very repeatable and reliable. Highly recommended.
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