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Setting tracking force and anti-skating

Setting tracking force

Prerequisite: The tonearm is balanced.

  1. Turn the counterweight ring until the centre line on the scale aligns with 0.
  2. Turn only the ring. The counterweight must not turn with it.
Align the scale ring with zero without turning the counterweight
  1. Then turn the counterweight and scale together to set the appropriate tracking force for the cartridge.
  2. For the supplied Ortofon 2M Red, the recommended tracking force is 1.8 g.
  3. Carefully secure the counterweight using the hex socket screw and supplied hex key.
Carefully secure the counterweight with the hex key

Setting anti-skating force

The stylus must run in the centre of the record groove. This prevents audible distortion and uneven wear of the stylus and records.

  • If the tonearm pushes too far outwards, the right channel becomes distorted.
  • If it pulls too far inwards, the left channel becomes distorted.

Set the anti-skating force according to the tracking force and stylus profile.

For the supplied Ortofon 2M Red, place the loop of the anti-skating weight in the second groove from the rear.

Hang the anti-skating weight in the second groove from the rear for the Ortofon 2M Red

Other Ortofon 2M cartridges

Cartridge Setting
Ortofon 2M Blue Second groove from the rear
Ortofon 2M Bronze First groove from the rear plus additional anti-skating weight
Ortofon 2M Black Third groove from the rear plus additional anti-skating weight
Note

To adjust the anti-skating force for other cartridges, contact your specialist dealer or use a record with suitable test signals.