Glossary term

Tracking force

The downward force applied through a phono stylus during playback. Use the recommended setting and permitted range for the actual cartridge and stylus, following the tonearm’s adjustment procedure.

Explained in depth

Turntables & analog sources

Turntable tracking force: identify, set and verify

Set tracking force from the specifications of the cartridge and stylus actually fitted, using the tonearm’s own procedure. Balancing the arm, zeroing an indicator and applying force are different operations. Anti-skate is a separate adjustment. Do not copy a universal number, assume a replacement cartridge uses the original setting, or treat the dial as an independent measurement.

PN
Pure Neo editorial
Updated 4 Oct 2026