Tracking Force Gauges

Admittedly, $100 isn't a lot of money to worry about for most of us, but why are audiophiles such suckers? For me it's the principle! Why would you want to spend more than this:

http://saveonscales.com/product_jennings_js50x_digital_pocket_scale.html

Or if you want to get really crazy, this:

http://saveonscales.com/product_jennings_digital_diamond_scale_10.html

The "stylus" gauges being marketed to audio people are just relabeled, doubly marked up diamond scales.

Oops I sent before done. To continue - it doesn't matter AT ALL if the scale is accurate on an absolute basis. All that matters is that its results are nearly identical over multiple passes (repeatable). Because ultimately, if you're going to set up a table really right, the VTF that you measure is only a starting point and later a reference point.

Every cartridge/tonearm/table combo has different characteristics (not to mention interplay between VTF and anti-skate settings), so the manufacturers' VTF recommendation is just a rough estimate which becomes immediately irrelevant. You'll ultimately adjust VTF up and down BY EAR until it SOUNDS AND TRACKS BEST. and then you'll re-measure with the scale to note the result ONLY so you have a reference for when you need to reset the VTF later - e.g., your cartridge suspension has softened up. But that's all - the scale by itself only serves as a somewhat random starting point even if it's accurate to a gazillionth of a gram.

(Nor does it matter, as has been speculated here, whether the arm is in it's exact vertical "playing" position. Do an experiment if you'd like - lift your scale up on top of an old Mariah Carey lp with a couple of quarters and watch how much the VTF changes. Not much - it's a simple vector calculation.)

Hi Dan - I realize that most of the people posting here are sophisticated enough to know this stuff, and make a decision based on their own needs (or psychology) - but I often like to play the Devil's Advocate for newbies who are reading Audiogon and wondering if they now need to spend $250 on a scale for their $650 Rega, etc. These pocket scales (like the $35 American Weigh type) that are used in the jewelery trade are very accurate - they have to be. A tenth of a carat can be $100's of dollars.

BTW - in my own experience, subtle changes in antiskate have a larger effect on sonics than equally subtle changes in VTF. Everyone's different, but I need about two tenths of a gram change in VTF to hear a really significant change, while less than a 1/10 gm. change in A.S. can make a huge difference to me. So part of my reasoning also, is that I don't think I need a scale which is maybe 20 times more sensitive than my ears.

Hi - I didn't mean to imply the $95 is a sucker price, (or anyone buying that one is) since it's about right for that particular scale. I was referring to other scales I've seen marketed to the audiophile community for upwards of $250.