- FREE SHIPPING on UK orders over £100
For audiophiles and music enthusiasts, vinyl records offer a unique and immersive listening experience. Achieving the best possible sound quality from your turntable requires careful calibration, and one essential aspect is setting the vertical tracking force (VTF) of the stylus. In this article, we will explore how to adjust vertical tracking force on your turntable, the role of a digital scale in achieving accurate adjustments, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to use a digital scale to calibrate the VTF on your turntable.
Vertical tracking force refers to the downward pressure exerted by the stylus on the vinyl record. Finding the optimal balance is crucial as too little VTF can lead to skipping and poor sound reproduction, while excessive VTF can damage the record and wear out the stylus prematurely. Therefore, achieving the correct VTF is vital to preserve the life of your records and ensure an optimal listening experience.
Using a digital scale specifically designed for turntable calibration eliminates guesswork and provides accurate measurements for VTF adjustments. Digital scales designed for this purpose often feature precision sensors and a compact form factor, making them an ideal tool for vinyl enthusiasts. A number of VTF scales are available in our store here.
Ensure that your turntable is level using a bubble level or by referring to the manufacturer’s instructions. A level surface is necessary to achieve accurate measurements.
Place the digital scale on your turntable’s platter, removing any records first. Turn it on and allow it to stabilize for a few moments.
Most digital scales have a “tare” or “zero” function. Use this feature to calibrate the scale to zero grams. Make sure there is nothing on the scale before zeroing it.
Carefully lower the stylus onto the scale, ensuring that it is positioned accurately over the scale’s measurement area. Avoid applying any additional pressure or causing the stylus to tilt.
Read the measurement displayed on the digital scale or stylus force gauge. Adjust the VTF by turning the counterweight or tracking force adjustment mechanism on your turntable. Make small adjustments until the desired VTF is achieved. Most turntables have a recommended range of VTF specified by the manufacturer, typically between 1.5 to 2.5 grams.
After making adjustments, lift the stylus off the scale and reposition it to double-check the VTF. Fine-tune the adjustment if necessary to ensure accuracy.
If your turntable has a balance adjustment or anti-skate mechanism, repeat the process for these settings, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
