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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
maczurak
28 posts
 
If you have the standard 9" tonearm, I would suggest getting Soundsmith's Counter “Intuitive” as this will decouple the azimuth and VTF adjustments.

The 9" signature tonearm has a set screw in the end of the armwand to allow you to fine tune the VTF without affecting azimuth. For this reason, I moved to the signature tonearm shortly after purchasing the standard tonearm. I will never again purchase another tonearm not having discrete adjustments.
tzh21y OP
1,654 posts
 
lol. I guess a bullseye is inevitable. Yes and a lot of aggravation to say the least. I will keep everyone posted as time goes on. Right now, it is working well. Does it sound like my friends Zeta, no but considering what I paid for the table and arm, I cannot expect that. It does appear as though this arm is very sensitive to the cartridge used. For future reference, I would like to know who is having success with this arm and what cartridge are you using? I am sure Dynavector has to be one that will work as it is endorsed by VPI. Other's? Benz wood, Lyra, Etc. I friend told me that Lyra would not be a good choice for this arm. Any comments?
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,503 posts
 
If you know how to set up the VPI, it is a top level arm. It is NOT a pain if you know what you are doing. You DON'T need the Counterintuitive if you know what you're doing. I have my 10.5i tracking a Benz Ebony LPS with NO difficulties what so ever. I never hear buzzing, distortion from one or either channel,..no hum etc..... nothing. If anyone has difficulty with their VPI arm, please write to me with your problem and I will answer....or get in touch with Harry and he will guide you.
markpao
524 posts
 
I had the JMW9 sig but now the JMW10 which is very similar sounding. Very good luck with my Benz Ruby 3, Lyra Helicon and Sumiko Blackbird. Not so much Shelter cartridges.
hiendmuse
257 posts
 
I was using a Lyra Skala in my JMW-9 on my super scoutmaster before upgrading to the 10.5i tonearm. Tracked very well on the 9" arm, sounded very good, no problems whatsoever.
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