Are you a vinyl enthusiast looking to get the most out of your turntable?
One of the most important aspects of achieving optimal sound quality is properly adjusting the counterweight on your tonearm. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it may seem!
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to ensure your tonearm is correctly balanced and set to the appropriate tracking force for your cartridge.
With just a few adjustments, you’ll be able to enjoy your vinyl collection like never before. So, let’s get started!
How To Adjust Counterweight On Turntable
The counterweight on your turntable’s tonearm is the main component that allows you to adjust the tracking force. It’s usually located at the rear end of the tonearm and has numbers detailed along it. These numbers represent the weight in grams, so adjusting the counterweight to a specific number will set the weight of the stylus on the record.
To begin, reset your tonearm so it can balance in mid-air on its own. If your turntable has an anti-skate setting, set it to ‘0’. Adjust the counterweight so that the tonearm balances horizontally without touching the platter or record but also not falling upwards. This sets your counterweight to zero.
Next, find the recommended tracking force weight for your cartridge. Check the manual for your cartridge or search online for the appropriate weight. For example, if you’re using an Ortofon 2m Red cartridge, the recommended force is about 1.8g.
Now it’s time to set the counterweight to the correct tracking force for your records. Turn or adjust your counterweight to the appropriate setting for your cartridge and set the numbered dial on your counterweight to match. This should make the cartridge move downwards towards the turntable platter or record and sit at the correct weight when playing music.
If your tonearm also features an anti-skate control, adjust this to match the counterweight setting. This helps counteract any tendency of the tonearm to move inwards as the stylus gets closer to the center of the record, keeping your music sounding its best.
If you want to further check that your tracking force is correct, you can buy a digital gram scale. With one of these, you can lower the stylus onto its platform and a digital readout will tell you exactly how much force is being applied. You can then check this against the dial on your counterweight and adjust accordingly.
Understanding The Importance Of Counterweight Adjustment
Adjusting the counterweight on your turntable is crucial for maintaining the quality of your record collection. When the tracking force is too high, it puts extra weight on your records, which can result in wearing them down or damaging them from excess drag. On the other hand, when the tracking force is too low, it can cause poor sound quality and potentially damage your records from the needle ripping across them.
Setting the tracking force to the ideal range for your cartridge will prevent the cartridge from dragging across the surface of the record. This not only avoids unnecessary damage to your records but also ensures better sound quality when playing music on your turntable. By keeping the tracking force in the right range, you keep your record collection in good condition and extend its lifespan.
Adjusting the counterweight is also important for maintaining the overall balance of your tonearm. When the tonearm is not balanced correctly, it can cause skipping or distortion in your music. By setting the counterweight to the recommended weight for your cartridge, you ensure that the tonearm is properly balanced and that your music plays smoothly without any issues.
Gathering The Necessary Tools And Materials
Before you begin adjusting the counterweight on your turntable, you’ll need a few tools and materials to ensure that the process goes smoothly. Here are the things you’ll need:
1. A stylus force gauge: This is a device that measures the tracking force of your cartridge. It’s an essential tool for ensuring that your counterweight is set correctly.
2. A clean, flat surface: You’ll need a clean and level surface to work on. This can be a table or a desk, but make sure that it’s stable and won’t move around while you’re working.
3. Your turntable: Of course, you’ll need your turntable to adjust the counterweight. Make sure it’s set up properly and ready to use.
4. The manual for your cartridge: The manual for your cartridge will provide you with the recommended tracking force weight. If you don’t have the manual, you can usually find the information online.
5. A steady hand: Adjusting the counterweight requires a steady hand and some patience. Take your time and make small adjustments until you get it just right.
With these tools and materials, you’ll be able to adjust the counterweight on your turntable with ease. Remember to take your time and be patient, and soon you’ll be enjoying your music at its best quality.
Preparing Your Turntable For Adjustment
Before you begin adjusting the counterweight on your turntable, there are a few important steps you should take to prepare your turntable for the process.
First, power off your turntable and make sure the counterweight is properly installed on the end of the tonearm so that the numbers face the front of the turntable. Also, make sure that the anti-skate is set to 0.
Next, use the cueing lever to lock the tonearm in the rest position (on the armrest). While it’s resting, gently remove the protective cover from the stylus. Be very careful when doing this and slide the cover straight forward off the front of the cartridge.
Gently hold the headshell to keep the tonearm stable while releasing the tonearm locking clamp. Now, the tonearm will swing freely since it’s unbalanced. You still want to hold the headshell so it doesn’t crash into the turntable platter.
Keep the cueing lever in the down position while you gently hold the headshell above the rest position. Carefully turn the counterweight on the rear of the tonearm until the tonearm is horizontally balanced. This means that the headshell won’t be moving up or down but will naturally float above the rest position.
Once you’ve found this balance spot, set your counterweight to zero. Now you’re ready to set your tracking force for your phono cartridge. Turn your entire counterweight counterclockwise to adjust the weight in grams and gently place your stylus and entire cartridge onto a stylus force gauge (which will clamp to your turntable platter).
Once you’ve set your tracking force, turn on your anti-skate setting and match it in grams to your tracking weight. This ensures that your music sounds its best and prevents any damage to your records or stylus.
Balancing Your Tonearm
Balancing your tonearm is an essential step in setting up your turntable. This process ensures that the weight of the tonearm is distributed evenly, allowing the stylus to track the record accurately and reducing wear and tear on both the record and the cartridge.
To balance your tonearm, first remove any anti-skating weight that may be attached to it. Then, move the tonearm off its rest and adjust the counterweight so that the tonearm balances horizontally. This means that the cartridge and stylus should be floating without touching the platter or record but also not falling upwards.
Once your tonearm is balanced, turn the counterweight scale to indicate zero. This sets your counterweight to zero, allowing you to adjust it to the correct tracking force for your records.
Finding the correct tracking force depends on your cartridge’s specifications. Manufacturers typically include a recommended tracking force with each model, or you can search online for the appropriate weight. Remember to set your weight in the middle of the recommended range, so if the tracking range is 1.2 – 2 grams, you’ll set your tracking force to 1.6 grams.
To adjust the counterweight to the correct tracking force, turn or adjust it to the appropriate setting for your cartridge and set the numbered dial on your counterweight to match. This should make the cartridge move downwards towards the turntable platter or record and sit at the correct weight when playing music.
If your tonearm also features an anti-skate control, adjust this to match the counterweight setting. This helps counteract any tendency of the tonearm to move inwards as the stylus gets closer to the center of the record, keeping your music sounding its best.
By following these steps and balancing your tonearm correctly, you can improve sound quality without breaking out your wallet. Using a turntable requires some setup knowledge, but it’s definitely worth it for a better listening experience.
Setting The Tracking Force
Once you have set your counterweight to the correct number, it’s time to set the stylus tracking force applied to the vinyl during playback. To do this, refer to your specific cartridge stylus’ instructions for the recommended weight, as every cartridge stylus model is different and will require a different weight.
First, focus on the tonearm counterweight and notice the values on the stylus tracking force control and the marker line on the tonearm next to it. Make sure the tonearm is clipped to its rest. Use your left hand to hold the back of the counterweight steady while using your right hand to rotate the front ring and set the stylus tracking force control to “0”. Remember, only the front part of the counterweight should rotate. This will balance the tonearm and show a “zero” tracking force without adding or subtracting any weight.
To apply tracking force, hold the counterweight from the back and turn it counterclockwise to the desired value. The stylus tracking force control will indicate the weight applied to the vinyl groove. Be careful not to set the tracking force too high as this can wear out your vinyl faster. If your cartridge stylus manufacturer recommends a tracking force range from 2 grams to 5 grams, try setting it around 2.5 or 3 grams and do a listening test with a record you know well.
If you notice a thinner overall sound, it may indicate that there is not enough weight, so increasing the stylus tracking force will improve the sound. On the other hand, louder lower frequencies and distorted sound may indicate that there is too much weight, so decreasing the stylus tracking force will improve the sound.
Once you have found your desired tracking force, your tonearm will be perfectly balanced and ready for use.
Fine-Tuning Your Counterweight Adjustment
Once you have set your counterweight to the recommended tracking force, you can fine-tune the adjustment for optimal sound quality. A common technique is to slightly increase the tracking force by 0.1 to 0.2 grams, which can improve the bass response and reduce distortion.
To fine-tune your adjustment, start by adjusting the counterweight by small increments, such as 0.05 grams at a time. Play a record and listen carefully to the sound quality. If you notice any distortion or skipping, adjust the counterweight back to the previous setting.
If you hear an improvement in sound quality, continue adjusting in small increments until you find the optimal setting. It’s important not to exceed the recommended tracking force, as this can cause excessive wear on your records and stylus.
Another factor to consider is the vertical tracking angle (VTA), which refers to the angle at which the stylus sits in the record groove. A correct VTA can improve sound quality by reducing distortion and improving clarity.
To adjust the VTA, you may need to add a spacer or shim under your cartridge. This can be a trial-and-error process, as different cartridges may require different spacers or shims. Consult your cartridge manual or seek advice from a professional if you’re unsure.
In summary, fine-tuning your counterweight adjustment can make a significant difference in sound quality on your turntable. Start with the recommended tracking force and adjust in small increments until you find the optimal setting. Consider adjusting the VTA if necessary for further improvement in sound quality.
