Glossary · Turntables
Counterweight
The rear weight that balances the arm and sets VTF.
The counterweight at the tail of the tonearm balances the cartridge’s weight and, once zeroed, dials in tracking force by the numbers on its collar. Setting it correctly — balance the arm, then set the force — is step one of any cartridge setup.
Terms on the same stage
Tracking Force (VTF)
The downward weight the stylus presses into the groove, in grams.
Anti-Skate
Force that counters the tonearm’s inward pull toward the spindle.
VTA
Vertical tracking angle — the tonearm’s height at the pivot.
Azimuth
The vertical, side-to-side alignment of the stylus in the groove.
Overhang
How far the stylus sits past the spindle when swung over.
Null Point
The two radii where a pivoted arm has zero tracking error.
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