Tracking Weight

[Teasing the Korean]

I'm curious: Do you guys adjust the tracking weight of your tone arms for LPs from particular decades? For example, I've been told that mono LPs from the 50s sound best when tracking at 3 grams, while 1.5 grams is ideal for pressings from the early 70s on. I don't know if these tracking weights are best for certain types of styli/cartridges/tone arms either.

I have a decent/affordable Grado cartridge that does a good job for my price range. Is it best to leave it at the suggested weight (1.5 g), or can I adjust it for certain LPs?

[Claude]

You must remain within the recommended limits of tracking force for your cartridge. Modern cartridges generally have a higher compliance than vintage cartridges and don't support 3g.

[clifford_thornton]

I run 2.25 g on my mmf-5.

Unless it's a Music Matters reissue, then it's 8 lbs.

[Teasing the Korean]

You must remain within the recommended limits of tracking force for your cartridge. Modern cartridges generally have a higher compliance than vintage cartridges and don't support 3g.

Thanks much.