AboutCleggsan Expertise Audio Design Engineer; systems, loudspeakers, cd/dvd players, etc. I am knowledgeable in all high end audio equipment and installations. MAKE SURE YOU GIVE A MAKE AND MODEL NUMBER AND CAR IF IT IS AN AUTO QUESTION.
Experience Have been associated with audio design, standards, testing and component systems for over 40 years.
Organizations Life Fellow Member of Audio Engineering Society
Life Senior Member of Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers
Publications Review technical manuscripts for IEEE Spectrum
Write occasionally for high-end audio publications
Education/Credentials BSEE/MSCS/MBA
Past/Present Clients Past Employee/advisor to several well known audio products manufacturers
Question I recently purchased a new turntable that got many positive reviews,MY question:It has it's own gauge to adjust the tracking force but I also have one that breaks down the grams in more precise increments,Should I and would I get a more accurate reading using my own stylus force pressure gauge?Also my last turntable had an easy to install P mount type cartridge,this has a standard mount,are those difficult to replace if you ever have to? How long will the stylus last generally if care is taken when playing records and everything is set up correctly?
Answer ONE: The proper tracking force is best done experimentally. I do not recommend you rely on the gauges as they may be accurate, or maybe not, but that does not fit the requirement of the cartridge. Here is the best way to set the tracking pressure. I recommend it to you:
ONE: Turn the pressure gradually lighter until you begin to hear distortion or breakup from the needle lifting out of the groove during loud passages on the disc. Then, gradually turn the pressure heavier until the tracking is without any breakup. Try this on several discs, especially ones with loud bass and others with lots of hard treble.
TWO: The correct pressure is when it is the least weight possible but tracks correctly on all discs without going into distortion or breakup of the sound (caused by the needle jumping out of the groove).
P mount cartridges are fine so long as they mount properly in the tonarm of your TT.
It takes a lot of playing to wear out a stylus - so long as the pressure is set properly. Setting it too light will wear it faster than too heavy. Also, keep the dust build up from accumulating under the point. Best way to clean your recordings is mild soap and warm water. Rinse them off with cool water and let them dry in a dish rack. Don't use any of the commercial cleaning devices as they do more damage than the warm water and mild dish soap will do.
