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Setting up the cartridge--Tips/techniques

Thanks for the feedback on cartridges for my Michell Gyro. I decided on the van den hul frog. It was not one of the ones i recieved feedback but I recently heard one in action and was pretty impressed. I am looking for some advice on how to set it up properly to get maximum performance from the set up. I have a couple of questions
1. Is the use of a stylus force gauge/scale critical or can I use the scale on the arm and tweak based on performance?
2. What position should I adjust the arm height to get maximum performance and avoid cartridge damage or record damage.
3. Are there other key points or techniques to consider

Thanks
oilmanmojo
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,517 posts
 
I have a Frog and can give you some tips. But first, is it a standard Frog (.65mV) or a Frog Gold Mk II (.85mv) or a high output (2.2mv) and what kind of arm is it in?
gibson58
32 posts
 
invest in a digital scale to set the tracking force so there's no guesswork. VTF is critical to sound and preserving your stylus and records. VTA can be set and tweaked by ear.
rockinroni's avatar
rockinroni
286 posts
 
Initial Conditions:

We will assume you have installed your cartridge correctly using some kind of an alignment protractor (very important) and that it is set-up to the manufacturerÂ’s recommendations such as body parallel to the record for VTA. This is usually when the tonearm is parallel to the record surface as well for non tapered tonearms.

The tracking force should be set at the mid-point of the range recommended by the manufacturer. For example, if the recommended range is 1.8 to 2.2 grams, then set it to 2.0.

I use the shure stylus force guage with good results.



These settings are just a starting point. The VTA and tracking force setting must be adjusted by ear.

Oilmanmojo, Go to Loyd Walkers site to get the rest of the info, good luck.

http://www.walkeraudio.com/fine_tuning_your_turntable.htm
bundy
125 posts
 
Can you describe a technique or approach for setting VTA? My R250 arm has adjustment which I set to the level matching the tracking force (per instructions) but I've heard you should listen and adjust from there.

Is there an easy way to know you have it right?
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,517 posts
 
This subject has been covered in exhaustive (and exhausting) detail in these forums. And all you have to do to access this information is type "VTA" in the search window and click on the "search" button. In addition to enough advice and comments to keep you reading 'til your eyeballs fall out, you will come across many links to articles that go into even further and juicier detail.
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