Tracking force is a critical parameter in turntable setup, as it directly affects the performance and longevity of your vinyl records. When the tracking force is set too high, it can have detrimental effects on both the stylus and the record grooves. In this article, we will explore the signs and symptoms of excessive tracking force, helping you identify and rectify the issue for optimal audio quality and record preservation.
- Distorted or Muffled Sound: One of the most noticeable signs of excessive tracking force is distorted or muffled sound. The stylus, pressed too firmly into the record grooves, struggles to accurately track the audio information, resulting in a loss of clarity, detail, and dynamic range. The sound may lack definition and exhibit a compressed or flattened character.
- Surface Noise and Excessive Wear: Excessive tracking force can generate increased surface noise, characterized by crackling, popping, or hissing sounds during playback. The added pressure on the stylus causes it to scrape against the record surface more forcefully, picking up dust, debris, and imperfections, which manifest as unwanted noise. Additionally, the increased friction can accelerate record wear, causing premature groove damage and diminishing audio fidelity over time.
- Groove Skating and Skipping: When tracking force is set too high, it can result in groove skating or skipping. Groove skating occurs when the stylus encounters increased lateral force, causing it to slide across the record rather than accurately tracking the grooves. This leads to skipped or repeated sections of the audio, disrupting the listening experience and potentially damaging the stylus or record.
- Premature Stylus and Record Wear: Excessive tracking force places undue stress on the stylus tip and the delicate record grooves. The increased pressure can accelerate wear and tear, leading to a shortened lifespan of both the stylus and the vinyl records. You may notice visible signs of stylus wear, such as a flattened or damaged tip, or visible groove distortion and loss of high-frequency detail on the records themselves.
- Increased Surface Noise During Quieter Passages: When tracking force is too high, you may experience heightened surface noise, particularly during quieter passages of the music. The excessive pressure exacerbates the pickup of surface imperfections, causing them to be more audible, even in sections where the music volume is low.
Conclusion:
Maintaining proper tracking force is essential for preserving the condition of your vinyl records and achieving optimal audio fidelity. Excessive tracking force can result in distorted sound, increased surface noise, groove skating, and premature wear on both the stylus and the record grooves. If you encounter any of these symptoms, it is important to adjust the tracking force to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications for your cartridge and turntable. By doing so, you can ensure accurate playback, minimize record wear, and enjoy the full sonic potential of your vinyl collection.
