Stylus Force Gauge

What, exactly, is "best" about an $800 gauge that's less resolving than gauges which cost 90% less?

The profit margin enjoyed by the seller is best, obviously. Other than that, what am I missing?

Hi got it on audiogon at $350.00 ease of use guality of built fit and finish.HELLO the BEST!! Its also made in JAPAN.

Given that most VTF scales place the stylus up well higher than even a 180g, does anyone adjust VTA first before measuring VTF?

Goatwuss,

Good question. Don't put your stylus directly on the platform of any digital gauge. That would indeed cause the problem you noted and also another. Many scales are magnetic and/or contain magnetic materials. The strong attraction would distort your measurement and might damage your cartridge.

Use a weighing step, which holds the stylus off to one side (no magnets) and down at typical LP height (no VTA problem).

The $800 (or $350) Winds scale includes one. So does the reasonably priced scale sold by Sorasound and others. Look at the pictures. I DIY'd a step years ago to use with my $75 jeweller's scale. Took 3 minutes, cost no money, works every time.

If I were buying today I'd buy the one sold by Sorasound.

Has anyone with a graded (dynamic) VTF e.g. SME-V ever confirmed whether the gauge or the arm's scale are well matched?

Same could be asked about e.g. SME-IV (static) VTF a.b.c.d.e.f. weight scaling.
A.