Properly adjusting the needle tension on a turntable is crucial to ensure optimal performance and prevent any potential damage to the stylus, record grooves, or the turntable itself. This adjustment, often referred to as tracking force, involves setting the appropriate amount of downward pressure applied by the stylus onto the record. In this article, we will guide you through the proper method to adjust needle tension on a turntable, ensuring it remains within the manufacturer’s recommended specifications and safeguards the integrity of your equipment.
- Understand Tracking Force and its Importance:
Tracking force, measured in grams, refers to the amount of pressure exerted by the stylus on the record’s grooves during playback. Setting the correct tracking force is crucial for several reasons:
- Too little tracking force can result in poor tracking, increased distortion, and potential damage to the stylus and record.
- Excessive tracking force can cause excessive wear on both the stylus and record, leading to premature degradation of sound quality and potential damage.
- Consult the Manufacturer’s Specifications:
First, refer to the turntable and cartridge manufacturer’s specifications to identify the recommended tracking force range for your specific cartridge model. These specifications can typically be found in the turntable’s user manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
- Acquire a Tracking Force Scale:
To measure and adjust the tracking force accurately, you will need a tracking force scale. These scales are specifically designed to provide precise measurements of the downward pressure exerted by the stylus. They can be purchased from audio equipment suppliers or online retailers.
- Balance the Tonearm:
Before adjusting the tracking force, ensure that the tonearm is properly balanced. Follow these steps:
- Set the turntable’s cueing lever or lift mechanism to raise the tonearm.
- Unlock any tonearm rest or clamp.
- Adjust the counterweight at the rear of the tonearm until the tonearm is parallel to the platter and remains balanced.
- Adjust the Tracking Force:
Using the tracking force scale, proceed with the following steps to adjust the needle tension:
- Carefully place the stylus onto the tracking force scale, ensuring it rests securely on the platform.
- Gradually adjust the counterweight located at the rear of the tonearm, rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise, until the stylus hovers at the desired tracking force level within the recommended range.
- Be cautious and make small adjustments, as even a slight change in weight can significantly impact the tracking force.
- Once the desired tracking force is achieved, lock the counterweight to secure its position.
- Double-Check and Fine-Tune:
After setting the tracking force, double-check the balance of the tonearm to ensure it remains level. Fine-tune the tracking force if necessary, making slight adjustments to achieve the desired measurement within the recommended range.
- Repeat for Stereo Balance (Optional):
If your turntable has a stereo balance control, you can adjust it to ensure equal tracking force on both channels. This helps maintain proper channel separation and balanced playback.
Conclusion:
Properly adjusting needle tension, or tracking force, on a turntable is essential for preserving the longevity of your equipment and ensuring optimal sound quality. By following the steps outlined in this guide, consulting the manufacturer’s specifications, and using a tracking force scale, you can accurately set the needle tension within the recommended range. Regularly checking and adjusting the tracking force will help prevent damage to the stylus, record grooves, and the turntable, while ensuring a precise and enjoyable listening experience.
