One thing no one mentioned that makes a big difference in both tracking and surface noise is a clean stylus. A good stylus brush is a must. It is also important to wet the brush. Dry brushing is just not that effective. I use a drop of my record cleaning fluid on the stylus brush and then clean the stylus with that. It is very effective. With optimized tonearm geometry and a clean stylus, I get good clean tracking all the way to the end of the groove. When I start hearing a little edginess near the end of the record I know to clean the stylus. Imagine sweeping the floor with a broom, now imagine wet mopping the floor. Which one is cleaner?
I also agree that setting VTF to the upper spec limit for that particular cartridge is best. When I set my VTF with my test record, the best tracking results are at the higher settings. Don't forget to recheck the VTA and HTA after adjusting VTF. (love the acronyms)
I also agree that setting VTF to the upper spec limit for that particular cartridge is best. When I set my VTF with my test record, the best tracking results are at the higher settings. Don't forget to recheck the VTA and HTA after adjusting VTF. (love the acronyms)