Stylus tracking force.

[Jimbo]

I have for many years always used a digital stylus scale/balance to set up my VTF on the turntable but have done this with the turntable mat in place. The mat is about 1.5mm - 2mm thick. However recently I have read somewhere that it is best to adjust the stylus tracking force without the mat in place.

This would obviously make a fair bit of difference so I was wondering what other folk did.

Do you set up you stylus tracking force with or without mat in place?

[AJSki2fly]

I have for many years always used a digital stylus scale/balance to set up my VTF on the turntable but have done this with the turntable mat in place. The mat is about 1.5mm - 2mm thick. However recently I have read somewhere that it is best to adjust the stylus tracking force without the mat in place.

This would obviously make a fair bit of difference so I was wondering what other folk did.

Do you set up you stylus tracking force with or without mat in place?

My TT mat is fixed being bonded to the platter and I have not played around with mats on top, just followed the manufacturers guidance. I setup the VTF now using Pro-Ject electronic gauge, with it directly on the platter/mat when the stylus is on the gauge then it is very close to being at the height of a 120-140gm record, so should be reasonably accurate. https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/measure-it-e/ There are similar ones to this on Ebay etc.

With respect to mat height, if this an addition to your TT then you should probably consider looking at the VTA(Vertical Tracking Angle) first, most cartridges specify around a 21 degree cantilever angle to the record for optimum play back, I have personally found this can be variable though. There is somewhere a long thread on VTA and Azimuth. With VTA I have found general that if the tonearm tube is a parallel tube, not tapered then getting it parallel to the top of a flat record when the stylus is in the groove is a good place to start. I use a mid thickness record for this and then tweak the arm up or down at the rear until I hit the sweet spot for my ears. I then also listen with a few favourite tracks, female vocal like Eva Cassidy Fields of Gold is a good one for example. If you are getting sibilance then the rear of the arm maybe too high, if is sounds a bit bassy then it is too low at the rear. If I recall correctly a 9 inch arm will indeed require nearly 4mm (3.989) of movement of VTA to make a 1 degree change in SRA(stylus rake angle).

This is a very good reference and guide https://www.theabsolutesound.com/art...o-cartridge-1/

I always go back and check VTF if I change VTA or Azimuth, just to ensure it is still correct.

[Jimbo]

Thanks for the info and feedback Adrian

[Enossification]

For what it's worth, I have always set it up with the mat in place and no one has ever condemned me for it including local dealers. I have always found though this bit of vinyl setup a pain in the arse.

[Barry]

Always set the VTF with the mat in place.

[struth]

For what it's worth, I have always set it up with the mat in place and no one has ever condemned me for it including local dealers. I have always found though this bit of vinyl setup a pain in the arse.

i did same. should keep it right if you use one of the old, thicker than average records as it will be between normal and 180/200 versions

[Barry]

Obsessives in the US have been known to adjust the SRA each time they play a record, to allow for the various thicknesses.

[Jimbo]

I think I will stick to setting up with mat in place. My balance has a staggered platform that puts the stylus at roughly the correct height of a 180g record when weighing on the balance. That should be fairly close to an accurate assessment of VTF?

[Barry]

Agreed. I always start with the maximum recommended tracking force, less 0.25g, and gradually reduce it by ear.

[Jimbo]

Agreed. I always start with the maximum recommended tracking force, less 0.25g, and gradually reduce it by ear.

I am using 2M Black still which is quoted 1.5 - 1.7g VTF. Apparently reading round the web recently folk are finding it to sound fuller and more fleshed out at 1.7 - 1.75g. I have only used it at 1.6g so will crank up the weight tonight and have a listen at 1.7.