It is very important that the stylus tracking force is correct. If the weight is too high, you will damage the stylus and the record. The tracking force should be 1.5 - 2.5 grams
- MM cartridge (Moving Magnet): approx. 1.8–2.5 g (most common on hi-fi players)
- MC cartridge (Moving Coil): often 1.5–2.2 g
- DJ / robust cartridge: can be higher, 3–5 g (for stability, not optimal hi-fi sound)
Tip: If the player has a counterweight with a scale, it is often a bit inaccurate. A digital stylus gauge (cheap and precise) gives the best result.