Tracking Force Adjustment Range
Tracking Force Adjustment Range is the span of downward force a tonearm can apply through the stylus onto the record.
Here, g means gram-force, not the cartridge’s own mass; 1 g is about 9.81 millinewtons (mN). A range gives both endpoints. “Up to 3 g” states only a maximum, leaving the minimum unspecified.
Tracking Force Adjustment Range — Tonearm
Choose the cartridge’s recommended tracking force within the arm’s range. If the arm adjusts from 0 to 3 g and the cartridge recommends 1.8 g, use 1.8 g. A wider adjustment span does not promise better sound.
Check that the range applies to the counterweight and accessories actually fitted: some arms need an extra weight for higher settings. This also applies to arms supplied with turntables. Verify the applied force with a stylus-force gauge whose measurement range covers the setting.
Sources
- Ortofon TA-110 9 inch tonearm — Ortofon
- Ortofon Stylus Pressure Gauge — Ortofon
- Ortofon DJ FAQ — Ortofon
- NIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B.9 — NIST