Does slightly heavier tracking force really damage records easily?

[Ohmish]

Hi
I have a new turntable that doesn't have antiskate setting option
I replaced the default Audio-Technica AT3600L stylus/cartridge with a Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH

The Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH vertical tracking force is rated at about 1.8 - 2.2 grams
To prevent skating outwards it seems I have to set it to about 3 grams
Is this too much?
I heard that "damage to the records" is a semi-debunked myth, but not sure
What do you think?

 

[abacus]

Hi
I have a new turntable that doesn't have antiskate setting option
I replaced the default Audio-Technica AT3600L stylus/cartridge with a Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH

The Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH vertical tracking force is rated at about 1.8 - 2.2 grams
To prevent skating outwards it seems I have to set it to about 3 grams
Is this too much?
I heard that "damage to the records" is a semi-debunked myth, but not sure
What do you think?

The cartridge is designed for a specific range as determined by the manufacture, if you go outside this range then performance will deteriorate and reduce the lifespan of the cartridge and stylus.
If you are keeping your turntable then fit the old cartridge back in, otherwise if you wish to keep the new cartridge, buy a new turntable that has the necessary adjustments. (Even budget turntables have the required adjustments these days)

Bill

 

[daytona600]

Pointless buying a Turntable with Fixed VTF & Bias , bit like buying a car with only one gear
3.0g bias is far to high , rule of thumb generally half ( 0.75/1.0g) will lead to channel imbalance and one side of the stylus & record will wear much faster than other side
Shibata stylus on 95SH also requires correct adjustment for Azimuth & Zenith

 

[davidf]

Improper setup (stylus angle etc) will be the main cause of damaged records, but keep the stylus and your records clean. Change the stylus regularly. 800 hours is recommended for a Shibata stylus.

If there's no adjustment available, stick to the recommended cartridge.

 

[nopiano]

Hi
I have a new turntable that doesn't have antiskate setting option
I replaced the default Audio-Technica AT3600L stylus/cartridge with a Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH

The Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH vertical tracking force is rated at about 1.8 - 2.2 grams
To prevent skating outwards it seems I have to set it to about 3 grams
Is this too much?
I heard that "damage to the records" is a semi-debunked myth, but not sure
What do you think?

What turntable is it? Going from a conical stylus to the top of the range SH is too far unless you can properly adjust the tracking force and antiskate.

At such excessive downforce the tracking angle will be wrong, and the right channel of the groove will have too much pressure. The suspension of the stylus isn’t designed to withstand it either - it’s like towing a caravan 50% heavier than your car can cope with.

 

[camcroft]

I use 2g for all of my AT cartridges