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I would like to try a digital one now and see how I like it. It works but is cheaply made. I don't know how good it is.
Shure SFG-2 Stylus Tracking Force Gauge With this scale you get the best sound of each record.
No need to spend more on those electronic gadgets. Difference is negligible. Accurate. Compared it with an electronic force gauge for callibration.
Highly recommended. Accurate and easy to use. This is a must for all phono-lovers. Does the job.
Description and Use: Balance scale just like at the gym. When I used it, because of such low weights (1-3g)., I sometimes questioned the accuracy of the device, as it seemed to get stuck at either end of the scale. This tracking force gauge is pretty cheap insurance in my view. For the tech, that's pretty darn good, and for the price is outstanding. My recommendation is a tracking gauge is a REQUIRED piece of equipment.
The other end of the balance scale floats up or down in accordance with your desired weight and the tonearm weight. More precise scale will require smaller adjustments to your tonearm. Value for dollar unsurpassed. Tonearm lifted, tonearm weight adjusted. The balance indicator is merely a small (approx. A metal platform would reduce friction and (I think) have more accurate results. Cons: 1. Tonearm is lowered and needle placed in the gauge groove.
Repeat.The stated tolerance on this gauge is +-0.1 grams. measurement taken. Balance point is a metal pin on a plastic platform. I wanted a tracking force gauge for some time, but never got around to buying one. 1/8" wide by 1/2" deep) black platform. The real question is: Is your tonearm good enough for a digital tracking force gauge. I discovered my tonearm was about three grams overweight. The weight is adjusted from 1-3 grams.
I figured, hey, the counterweight on the tonearm is good enough, right. When viewing the balance indicator front on, this 1/8" wide nub can be difficult to tell how far off you are. Please note, this is not a digital model and will not give you ultra-precise measurements. Shure has a gauge for that too, if you're willing to spend the money. However, it easily showed my tonearm was waaaaay overweighted. Also remember you are going to have to adjust your counterweight on the tonearm, which was hassle enough.
Boy, was I ever wrong. Overall a very nice addition to my setup. Your ears may vary. Better options are available (digital) but only you can say if you want to spend way more to get a more precise result. 2. If you have vision issues, you may want to look elsewhere. Reasonable accuracy, especially for moving magnet cartridges, which seem (at least to me) less sensitive to weight differences than Moving coil.
This will work with acceptable accuracy. And heaven knows how much it has helped extend the life of my records.Pros:1. Way overdue as a matter of fact. If I had any idea how far off the tonearm counterweight was, I would have bought one with my turntable. Balance indicator can be difficult to read. Consumer reports best buy or Stereophile three dollar signs, take your pick.2. The unit is placed on the turnable mat extending from center to edge.
I can easily say this gauge has saved me from buying a new cartridge that much sooner.
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