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Tracking Force - Where to set it?

So a few weeks back I posted regarding distortion I was getting out of my right channel (Rega p25 w/ shure v15 xyz). I got a lot of help, much appreciated. It turned out that my real problem was not with the cartridge or table, but that I had followed Shure's recommendation to set tracking at 1-1/2 grams! Turns out that the bottoming-out and distortion I was hearing was cured by turning the tracking force up to about 1.75 to 2-1/4 grams, depending on the record.

The question now is, (1) is there an optimal tracking force, and (2) will force as high as 2-2.5 grams damage the stylus or vinyl?
dogrange
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
I second Jim's suggestion -- check the VTF with a gauge. Even an inexpensive gauge such as Shure's SFG-2 is far more accurate than the dial on your tonearm. I have owned many Shure V15 models over the past 30 years, and have always found them to offer excellent performance at the recommended 1.5 grams VTF.
sean
6,231 posts
 
If i can remember correctly, you have to adjust tracking force appr 1 gram higher than normal to compensate for the brush. As such, you would have to adjust the arm for 2.5 grams to achieve an actual tracking force of 1.5 grams. Sean
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pbb
1,140 posts
 
Do get a gauge, do not rely on the calibration found on the arm. The Shure V15's tracking force has to be set higher (the 1 gram stated above, I believe, is correct) to compensate for the brush stabilizer. In fact, the V-15 normally tracks perfectly well at the minimum tracking force recommended and does save hardship on the delicate grooves, just be sure you actually have set that weight correctly. If in doubt (which should not be the case when using a gauge), set it a tiny bit higher. Good day.
dogrange OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I do have a shure stylus force gauge that I use to set the actual tracking force. My actual tracking force is close to 2 grams (accounting for the brush on the V15), quite a bit higher than the 1 gram recommended by shure. I can back it off a bit, but at the recommended force it distorts at certain frequencies. I guess I'll leave it at 1.5-1/75 as long as that won't hurt my records.
sean
6,231 posts
 
Exactly which V15 are you using ? Your post does not make this clear. I ask this as some of the earlier V15's are known to produce non-linear distortions as amplitude increases. If what you are experiencing is not a volume related issue, i would think that something is not set up correctly. Any of the V15 cartridges are reasonably good "trackers" and should be able to easily stay in the groove with a "real" 1 gram of tracking pressure applied. Sean
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