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Electronic stylus force gauge question

I recently bought my first electronic stylus force gauge. It's a generic type made in China, but looks and feels a surprisingly decent quality. It was purchased from Mehran at SoraSound for those who happen to have it.

I noticed that when I try to measure the VTF, the gauge begins to display a minus reading of -0.01-03 g as I'm lowering the tonearm to place the stylus on the black dot. It then displays a steady reading once the stylus is placed on the dot, which appears to be accurate by comparing with the Shure gauge I used in the past.

I make sure that the platter is secured so I'm not quite sure why the gauge displays the minus reading before the stylus lands in the measuring spot.

Has anyone else experienced this with their electronic gauge? I realize the minus value is arguably negligible, and the issue might be of no practical significance, but I'm trying to get my Delos to track as close to 1.75 as possible so I wonder whether I need to adjust for the minus value. I'm also curious why this is happening.

actusreus

Showing 4 responses by stringreen

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,524 posts
 
Why do you want to track your Delos as close to 1.75 as possible? Maybe it sounds better a bit heavier or lighter...that's why I think the Shure scale is totally fine. You get it close with that, and then experiment by listening. I don't really care what my cartridge tracks at.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,524 posts
 
Actus..how do you know that your Delos tracks best at 1,75, EVERY cartridge I've set up is a bit different than the next one off of the assembly line. Also, if your arm is a bit high or a bit low to absolutely horizontal (who can tell when that occurs), it will affect the cartridge. Those setup guides are just that....use them to take you to a good place, and then use your ears to bring your cartridge to a great place. As far as the Shure scales being a bit off...Some are made of aluminum and are non attractive to the magnet in the cartridge, and some are made with something that does attract the magnet (not a good idea). You can get better accuracy by putting the Shure scale at the beginning of the platter, so that the front "feet" are off the platter (but use the non attractive version of the scale.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,524 posts
 
Yuk...this "argument" is really getting silly. I offered my views because in MY experience, I found my posting to be absolutely accurate...but only for those who are looking for the very best their setup can bring to them. If that is not your goal zei gazundt. ( although its a puzzelment why you are on this forum)
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,524 posts
 
Actus....I'm not pontificating ...just wondering why anyone would find an electricronic scale so important ( or the Counterintuitive, etc.) As I said before...there is some (not a lot, but some)variation in the building of cartridges et al that nullifies any exact claim of perfection of downward cartridge force. I have posted this because it is MY expectation that others will also post (on this free and open exchange) giving insights on how to further MY understanding of this crazy hobby. If you agree with my observations fine...of not, fine as well. I believe nothing from the internet, however, I put all information through my "filter" to decide what findings I want to retain, and which to dump. I really like the back and forth though because of enlightenment I find on this glowing screen. By the way...Zie Gazundt means that I wish all who reads (even those that don't) these pages Good Health.
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