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AUDIO FORUMS >> Vinyl >> Counterweights
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Message started by 4krow on 02/27/21 at 15:03:21

Title: Counterweights
Post by 4krow on 02/27/21 at 15:03:21

I am wondering why Pro-ject uses different sized counterweights for different weight cartridges. My 9C arm has a selection of 10 different weights (all optional). Only a couple days ago, I found that the weight on the arm was NOT recommended for the cartridge that I am using. Would this be part of the cause for mistracking?

Title: Re: Counterweights
Post by JBzen on 02/27/21 at 15:52:22

Most definitely. If the counter weight is too heavy for the cartridge it will mistrack(if it tracks at all) with any slight flaw(bumps) on the record. Most cartridges like a tracking force between 1 and 2 grams. Too light counter weight will lead vinyl to early ruin.
That in not a very good feature for the Pro-ject. Most arms have weights that can be adjusted variably along with anti-skating.

John

Title: Re: Counterweights
Post by HockessinKid on 02/27/21 at 17:18:49

Agree with John. Best to get a small electronic scale that measures to the hundredth gram (.01) and carefully weigh the cartridge stylus tip to measure the vertical tracking force(VTF). Start with the cartridge manufactures recommendation and adjust as needed.

Sounds like you were light on VTF if your cartridge wasn't tracking grooves well, even on a slightly warp record.

HK

Title: Re: Counterweights
Post by 4krow on 03/04/21 at 22:35:40

As it turns out, I tried a different counterweight for the tonearm, and all is well. Pro-ject makes 10 different counterweights for this TT! Each has a range of cartridge weights that can be used. Don't ask me, it wasn't my idea. So, now that I have the correct counterbalance, and Rebalanced the tonearm, the differences are great. What a little nightmare that was. Besides not tracking correctly, the original set up had too much bass, and generally didn't sound very good. Of course, it couldn't, given the circumstance. Now, that I have things right, the sound is getting better but I have ordered a replacement stylus that will be here next Monday.
I was also able to get a new phono pre from Vincent Audio, and that helped a bit but not as much as I would have hoped. All is not lost since eventually the parts for the phono pre that I am building will arrive and we will give it all another go. I just know that this set up is able to do very much more, but you have to al least give it a chance with better equipment to start with (and correct alignment and etc!). [smiley=tunes57.gif]

Title: Re: Counterweights
Post by 4krow on 03/12/21 at 03:31:43

An update. Today I installed a new stylus purchased from LP gear for this cartridge. I don't think that the old stylus itself was damaged as much the suspension. When someone says that the sound came back in focus, that's what happened here. It has been a harder row to hoe with this TT, but it now really has my attention and appreciation.

Title: Re: Counterweights
Post by Archie on 03/12/21 at 06:38:54

If the suspension was bad it could have thrown off the VTA/SRA so with that corrected the "focus" seems right.