Cartridge Force - Is a Little 'Over-Force' Okay?
With kids getting older and not as 'grabby', I decided to dust off the Pro-Ject 1.2, and throw on a new cartridge (Sumiko Olympia), replacing the 25-year-old Oyster. After dialing-in the cartridge to its recommended 2.0 grams, I noticed the tonearm counterweight keeps the lid/dust cover from closing. With kids around, I'd really prefer to keep a lid on it. If I move the counterweight to a position where it doesn't interfere with the cover, it weighs-in at 2.7 grams.
My question is, does .7 grams, with this particular cartridge make a difference? Not just in sound quality (I couldn't hear the difference), but in the case of preserving the longevity of the vinyl.
Or is there a compatible counterweight that would add a few more grams of force? I was trying to justify a whole new rig, but this little guy still (seemingly) works just fine.
Thanks for all the input. Yes, I do have a 'good' gauge, that measures to 1/100g, hence I'm certain of the VTF. By the sounds of it, it's probably best to stay within the mfg recommended specification. That's understandable. I suppose the next step might be to get the Dremmel, and cut a 'doggy door' in the back of the lid. Somewhat defeats the idea of a dust cover, but it's still better than nothing. Or time for a new turntable. |
Thanks for the direction @dover ! The is certainly the elegant way to go. Now just to wait for stock to return. In the meantime, the weight-tape-near-the-pivot seems logical enough. Perhaps a visit to the local golf/tennis shoppe is in-order. All that aside, yes, probably best to keep things within the spec, if at all possible. And I like the above better than cutting into acrylic. |
