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Stylus Force Guages - why extreme accuracy?

I am under the impression that, when setting up a phono cartridge, one sets the tracking force to the manufacturers recommended force, and then dial-in the final force by ear. If that is the case, then why are extremely accurate electronic stylus pressure gauges popular when the force is most likely going to change during final adjustment by ear? The Sure SFG-2, costing $25, has worked great for me to ball-park the initial tracking force before final tweaking. So, what benefit is the Winds ALM-01, costing $800, going to provide? Is it important to set the initial force to within a tenth of a gram, when that will change during final tweaking? What is the procedure those of you who own expensive gauges use for final adjustment by ear?
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Showing 1 response by sdcampbell

sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
Most cartridge manufacturers have a recommended tracking force range, which allows for a bit of leeway plus/minus. I have used a Shure SFG-2 gauge for more than three decades, and have found it to be very accurate when checked against much more expensive digital gauges.

I am confused a bit by your comment about making final tracking force adjustments by ear. Are you referring to VTA (vertical tracking angle)? One DOES make final VTA adjustments by ear (after initially setting the tonearm to level), but I have never heard of making tracking force adjustments by ear. Seems to me that would mean there is no need for accuracy from the tracking force gauge.
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