You can adjust the weight of the tonearm by turning the counterweight to a specific number. This is usually at the rear end of the tonearm, and likely to have numbers detailed along it. The main component on the tonearm that allows you to adjust the tracking force is the counterweight. This is why we need to optimise the force for the best sound quality and to protect your vinyl. This will lead to the music skipping and potentially scratching the vinyl.

If the weight of the stylus on the record is too light, you have a chance that the force from the grooves will throw the cartridge up and the needle will вЂskateвЂ™ across the record. YouвЂ™re likely to hear more distortion and, in some cases, it can damage the record. If youвЂ™re tracking force is too heavy this means the stylus is pushing down too hard on the record. For cheaper turntables like CrosleyвЂ™s or sub $100 brands, it is unlikely you will be able to adjust for tracking force. You should be able to adjust tracking force on most entry-level audiophile turntables and upwards, such as RegaвЂ™s, Audio TechnicaвЂ™s and Pro-Jects. The stylus needs to make contact with the record at the correct weight to create the best sound and prevent damage to the record. Tracking Force is the weight at which your record playerвЂ™s stylus (needle) sits on the record. This article aims to give you an overall idea of what tracking force is, how it can affect the sound of the record and also guide you through the set up on your own record player. Tracking force is a pretty simple concept but can be daunting for newbies or the first purchase of a deck with a tracking force option.

Vinyl turntable