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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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear Andrew: Yes, with the Clearaudio.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Andrew,

Mine does this as well. I did check that the metal around the target area is not magnetically attracted with a pretty strong magnet. I didn't pay attention to what that magnet did to the readout since we were just concerned with the possibility that the cartridge would attract the metal. Like you say, it does seem repeatable and that's what really counts.

Best,

Dan
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
Something I had mentioined in the past,and worth repeating.I had compared the 95 dollar guage(I have it too)to my pal's Winds guage.The Winds guage is built like a tank.It has proven very useful,to my friend.It also,weighs a ton,and exudes quality,as in "I'm gonna last a lifetime"!The 95 dollar guage,we are speaking of was within .03 gms of the Winds when we compared accuracy.Beyond that we always tune by ear anyway.All in all this little guy is a fabulous buy,and the most recent issue of HiFi Choice has just reviewed it,stating it was "far more accurate than any guage they EVER tested"!I still think it looks a bit cheap,though.
The door,on guages should really be closed with this cute little device,though I'd be happy to trade mine for a mint Winds!
Best!

PS--for anyone following my audio life,as of lately,my Rowland has finally shipped!!HOORAY!!!
rwd
695 posts
 
Happy to hear that Mark.....hope it comes soon...and enjoy!

Rick
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Yes, I expect to soon see posts by SirSpeedy that are oozing exuberance over a newly modified amp!

Good on you, Mark!

BTW, based on your comments about the build quality of this guage I was expecting something much more flimsy. I have to say that I find it pretty well made, but I do understand you have access to a Winds for comparison.

Best,

Dan
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