Glossary · Turntables
Tracking Force (VTF)
The downward weight the stylus presses into the groove, in grams.
Vertical tracking force is how hard the stylus sits in the groove, set by the counterweight and measured in grams. Every cartridge specifies a range — most moving-magnets want 1.5–2.0 g. Too light and the stylus mistracks and skips; too heavy and it wears records and the tip faster. Set it with a stylus force gauge, not the dial alone.
Terms on the same stage
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.
Belt Drive
Platter driven by a belt from an offset motor.
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