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.

brian_stabinger

Showing 3 responses by clearthinker

@mijostyn   I think that may be a bit gross for this application; I recall they cut them in 1g and 2g pieces.  But they can be cut down easily with a hacksaw or even a blunt knife as they are made of lead..

+1 @larryi   my idea too.  Can find suitable small piece of metal and stick with Blutack.

Thanks @mijostyn 

We don't have all that here in Blighty, not even before the COVID and Ukraine.

But I have recently had the the same old lead 1g weights put on a sportscar.

Yeah 1/4 oz will be more than enough - 7g.  So there's some cutting to do!

Thanks again.