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Tracking force and Unipivot tonearms

I have a Benz Glider and the "recommended" tracking force is 1.8 to 2.2 grams. I am tracking at about 2.4 or 2.5 just to keep it in the grooves during hot peaks on some records. A audiophile friend told me it is not uncommon especially with unipivots to set tracking force at 10 percent or higher than the recommended tracking force. The cart sounds much more full, less sibilant and a more solid sound at the sacrifice of a less air at this heavier tracking force.

Has anyone else found it absolutely necessary to set tracking forces much higher than the recommended force? My friend said it will not damage the cartridge or records at 2.4 or 2.5 grams. He said I should not get hung up on recommended tracking force as all tonearms are different and that it is just the "recommneded" tracking force
tzh21y
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
So what now, the manufacturer knows squat about what's the correct VTF for the products they design and make? C'mon, really?

Monty Python indeed.

I have to stir the pot just a lil' bit.
tzh21y OP
1,654 posts
 
Great news! I do not know what I did but the JMW 9 is tracking perfectly now. No more sibilance, tracking distortion or anything. I am a very happy camper. I am tracking at 1.9 with a Glider. My VTA is lower than before(not parallel with record) but what I think happened is I must have hit the azimuth pretty close to perfect. I do not have a Fozgometer. I think I need to get one. I also used the Mint lp to align the cartridge. i tried to be as perfect with alignment as I could. I am finally enjoying my records.
hiendmuse
257 posts
 
Yes to the Fozgometer! I have one for my Super Scoutmaster with rimdrive and it has ensured that azimuth is properly adjusted for optimal performance. No more rocking of the tonearm- it plays rocksteady thru the entire LP. Fozgometer is easy to use with the test record recommended for it.
tzh21y OP
1,654 posts
 
I have the test record, just need the fozgometer
pryso
1,968 posts
 
Another "yes" for the Fozgometer, if you don't have access to an O-scope. I've never understood folks who claim they can adjust azimuth visually, they must have far better eyesight than I do! Even when aided by a small magnifier. It is chancy to rely on the cartridge body being perpendicular to the record surface since there is no assurance the stylus was mounted EXACTLY in the vertical plane.
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