Cartridge Brand Stylus Tracking Force Chart: Set Up Correctly for Improved Sound

In terms of high-fidelity playback on vinyl, stylus tracking force is absolutely crucial. Too low a setting and your stylus will skip and/or mistrack; too high and you'll wear out both your stylus and treasured records unnecessarily. For both vinyl aficionados and audiophiles alike, knowing a good tracking force for your cartridge is important for performance, record preservation, and peace of mind.

In this guide, we've included a Stylus Tracking Force Chart by Cartridge Brand so that you can set up perfect tracking pressure for some of the best-selling phono cartridges out there. Whether you've got Ortofon, Audio-Technica, Hana, Grado, or Dynavector cartridges, this material will make it clear that your stylus tracks every groove flawlessly.

Why Stylus Tracking Force is Important

Tracking force is the pressure applied by your tonearm on the stylus downwards. Expressed in grams (g), it is an important aspect of turntable setup that affects:

Tracking Accuracy and Channel Balance
Sound quality, bass response, and dynamics
G groove wear and stylus life
Skipping or Distortion Prevention

Adjusting the correct amount of force allows your stylus to remain in optimal relationship with the groove wall so that it tracks well but is never hard enough to harm.

How to Measure Stylus Tracking Force

Utilize a digital stylus force gauge or mechanical balance positioned directly upon the platter (with the platter stationary or removed). Always:

Tracking force after aligning the cartridge
Check twice for the suggested operating range in your cartridge's manual
Adjust the counterweight on the tonearm as necessary

Stylus Tracking Force Chart by Cartridge Brand

Here is a quick-reference chart for suggested tracking forces for common cartridge brands and models:

Ortofon Cartridges

Model	Recommended Tracking Force
2M Red	1.8g
2M Blue	1.8g
2M Bronze	1.5g
2M Black	1.5g
2M Black LVB 250	1.5g
Quintet Red	2.1g
Quintet Black S	2.3g
Cadenza Red	2.5g
Cadenza Black	2.5g

Audio-Technica Cartridges

Model	Recommended Tracking Force
AT-VM95E	2.0g
AT-VM95ML	2.0g
AT-VM540ML	2.0g
AT-OC9XEN (MC)	1.8g
AT-ART9XI (MC)	2.0g
AT33PTG/II (MC)	2.0g

Hana Cartridges

Model	Recommended Tracking Force
Hana EL (Low Output)	2.0g
Hana EH (High Output)	2.0g
Hana ML	2.0g
Hana MH	2.0g
Hana Umami Red	2.0g

Grado Cartridges

Model	Recommended Tracking Force
Grado Black3	1.5g
Grado Green3	1.5g
Grado Gold3	1.5g
Grado Sonata3	1.5g
Grado Statement3	1.6g

Dynavector Cartridges

Model	Recommended Tracking Force
10X5 MkII (High Output)	2.0g
20X2L (Low Output)	2.0g
DV-XX2 MkII	2.0g
Te Kaitora Rua	2.0g

Pro Tips for Force Setup Tracking

Utilize a calibrated digital gauge for accurate measurement
Re-check the tracking force following any change of cartridge or adjustment of the tonearm
Use auto-tracking features only if your gauge and indicator validate accuracy
Always clean your stylus, and dust adversely affects tracking and pressure

Where to Buy Setup Tools & Cartridges

At ElusiveDisc.com, we provide a complete line of:

Digital stylus force gauges
Turntable setup tools
Cartridges and stylus replacements
Protractors, tracking, and alignment accessories

Whether you're just beginning to set up or tuning an upscale analog system, we've got all you need to get your cartridge dialed in with precision.

Shop with us because?

Authorized dealer for leading brands including Ortofon, Hana, Grado, Dynavector, and Audio-Technica
Expert setup assistance and matching cartridge support
Rapid and safe shipping and dependable service

Last Thoughts: Get The Force Right, Get The Sound Right

Having the correct tracking force is crucial to preserving your equipment and achieving optimal sound through your vinyl system. This stylus tracking force chart by cartridge maker ensures that you'll always know the correct reference to get you up and running successfully, whether you play classic jazz albums or state-of-the-art audiophile pressings.