I've been operating my Rega RB900 with the tracking force dial set to "3" since I got it, and it works fine. I am using the Express Machining "HeavyWeight" counterweight with this arm, and it provides a substantial performance improvement. (I just posted a review about this counterweight a few days ago, so check the archives if you are interested.) I've have always set tracking force on tonearms without using a built-in system -- the $20 Shure tracking force gauge is worth every cent in setting the tracking force accurately.