Tracking force and Unipivot tonearms


I have a Benz Glider and the "recommended" tracking force is 1.8 to 2.2 grams. I am tracking at about 2.4 or 2.5 just to keep it in the grooves during hot peaks on some records. A audiophile friend told me it is not uncommon especially with unipivots to set tracking force at 10 percent or higher than the recommended tracking force. The cart sounds much more full, less sibilant and a more solid sound at the sacrifice of a less air at this heavier tracking force.

Has anyone else found it absolutely necessary to set tracking forces much higher than the recommended force? My friend said it will not damage the cartridge or records at 2.4 or 2.5 grams. He said I should not get hung up on recommended tracking force as all tonearms are different and that it is just the "recommneded" tracking force
tzh21y

Showing 2 responses by hiendmuse

Yes to the Fozgometer! I have one for my Super Scoutmaster with rimdrive and it has ensured that azimuth is properly adjusted for optimal performance. No more rocking of the tonearm- it plays rocksteady thru the entire LP. Fozgometer is easy to use with the test record recommended for it.
I was using a Lyra Skala in my JMW-9 on my super scoutmaster before upgrading to the 10.5i tonearm. Tracked very well on the 9" arm, sounded very good, no problems whatsoever.