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Correct way to us Shure VTF gauge?

Hey guys, I have one quick question for anyone using the Shure Gauge to set VTF. Should you make the arm bounce slighty after placing the stylus on the gauge. The reason I ask is because when I just gently place the arm on the gauge using the cueing lever it wll give me a reading of lets say 1.5g, then if I bounce the arm a little while it is resting on the gauge the reading will stop at aprox 2grams. Are you guys finding that you get a different reading when doing the two above mentioned methods, or are my RB300 bearings screwed? Is there something terribly wrong?

Thanks for your time,
Dave
ziggy23
hi_hifi
120 posts
 
Hi Dave,

Well, I don't want to alarm you since we audiophiles can get a little obsessive compulsive, etc., but I've been using a Shure VTF gauge quite a bit lately and it doesn't behave the way your setup is behaving. On mine, the results are very repeatable (for the same tests). I've been using it recently with a SME tonearm and not only does the gauge read the same every time, but the markings on the SME arm correspond almost exactly with the gauge. So, I guess it's possible your gauge is "gummed up" - one way to find out would be to get another gauge; if it reads different from the first one then you likely have a gauge problem; if it reads like the first one, then you might have an arm issue. Hope some of this helps.
aceto
273 posts
 
Unfortunately I must concurr with Hi hifi. I got mine out and it reads just as above.
dr_balance
16 posts
 
Aceto, which arm are you using? Your guys are telling me that once you lower the arm USING THE CUEING LEVER, take a reading.

Then, WHILE THE ARM IS STILL ON THE GAUGE, you dab your finger gently on the Gauge steel part end (to inflict a little Teeter-Totter action) you get the same reading as you did above?

Some folks on Vinylasylum are getting a slightly different reading (higher) after the teeter-totter stops and then the gauge settles.

Anyone Else?
tedvan
6 posts
 
You are a brave man to pose a question that could be interpreted as a less than favorable view of the SHure VTF on an analog forum.

Crusty old 30 year veterans of analog need nothing but their Shure VTF and the seat of their pants to do turntable setup.

Okay, my experience actually mirrors yours with the thing. 9 months ago I returned to vinyl when I bought a Nottingham Spacedeck with SpaceArm. Maybe I am inept with the tool, but I hate the darn thing. Can't wait to retire it.

I am reintroducing digital in my system. Its a Wally digital scale. (well actually a My Weigh digital scale with Wally mods) It arrived two days ago and will try it out Sunday. I'll keep the Shure handy just in case, but I aint gonna miss it.
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace
467 posts
 
Dr. Balance, I know what you're talking about, the gauge did the same thing to me. If you every so lightly place the cartridge down on the scale, sometimes it doesn't register. I take the reading after gently hitting the teeter totter...

Tedvan, I'm in the same boat, shoudl have a wally scale arriving shortly, and will hopefully confirm that the shure was OK, crossing my fingers...
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