Tracking force (VTF) is the force that the stylus exerts on the record groove. It is important to have the correct VTF for your turntable and cartridge to avoid damage to your records and to get the best sound quality.
If the VTF is too low, the stylus may not be able to track the record groove accurately. This can cause distortion and a loss of detail in the sound. The stylus may also skip or jump out of the groove, which can damage the record.
Here are some of the problems that can occur if the tracking force is too low:
- Distortion: The stylus may not be able to track the record groove accurately, which can cause distortion and a loss of detail in the sound.
- Noise: The stylus may not be able to track the record groove accurately, which can also cause noise in the sound.
- Skipped grooves: The stylus may skip or jump out of the groove, which can damage the record.
- Groove wear: The stylus may not be able to track the record groove accurately, which can cause the groove to wear out prematurely.
If you think that your tracking force may be too low, you can check the manufacturer’s instructions for your turntable and cartridge. You can also use a tracking force gauge to measure the actual VTF. If the VTF is too low, you can adjust it using the tracking force adjustment knob on your turntable.
It is important to note that the correct VTF will vary depending on the turntable and cartridge. It is also important to check and adjust the VTF periodically, as it can change over time due to wear and tear on the cartridge and the record.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the tracking force is set correctly for your turntable and cartridge. This will help to improve the sound quality of your records and prevent damage to your records.
