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 2 responses by dmk_calgary

IMHO a bit too high. If the recommendation is 2gm, you will be 35% over the max. I would personally be happier with 5-10%. I run mine at .1gm over recommended. Its a Sumiko Blackbird and it got rid of guitar distortion on one track on one album - "It Doesn't Matter" - Spyro Gyra 'Morning Dance' album. No issues on any other of my albums except this one guitar solo. But it worked and no side effects I can hear. Good luck.

IMHO a bit too high. If the recommendation is 2gm, you will be 35% over the max. I would personally be happier with 5-10%. I run mine at .1gm over recommended. Its a Sumiko Blackbird and it got rid of guitar distortion on one track on one album - "It Doesn't Matter" - Spyro Gyra 'Morning Dance' album. No issues on any other of my albums except this one guitar solo. But it worked and no side effects I can hear. Good luck.