Setting up the cartridge--Tips/techniques

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.

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 manufacturer’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

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?

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.

Indeed. Let's not go through THAT again! ;-)

We're not trying to be unhelpful Bundy. The article linked by Rockinroni above addresses your question perfectly. Read it.

A search of the A'gon or VA archives will provide other views. I doubt there's anything useful that hasn't been said many times.