McIntosh MT5 User Manual

13
MT5
Setting the Tracking Force
The MT5 is supplied with a Stylus Tracking Force
Gauge for checking and adjusting the Stylus
Tracking. The Gauge uses the “Balance Scale”
methodology for measurement. Place the Gauge
on the record mat and perpendicular to the front of
the Tone Arm, with the Stylus Tip over graduation
marks. Set the Anti-Skate Adjustment to minimum
(refer to figure 37). Adjust the position of the Tone
Arm Counterweight to establish a tracking force
in the middle of the recommend range from the
Cartridge manufacturer as a starting place. Refer to
figures 32 thru 35.
Note: Usually, adjusting the tracking force closer to the
maximum setting recommend by the Cartridge
Manufacturer will produce better sound with less
record and stylus wear. Refer to “Trackability
Adjustments’ for additional information.
Anti-Skating Adjustment
The MT5 has adjustable Magnetic Anti-Skating to
equalize the pressure on both sides of the record
groove wall, refer to “Trackability Adjustments” for
additional information.
Trackability Adjustments
During playback of Phonograph Recordings, the
stylus assembly is subjected to all kinds of extreme
operating conditions. One of those conditions is the
forces constantly trying to push the stylus up and out
of the grooved wall of the recording. Another condi
-
tion is the uneven side to side pressure applied to the
stylus as it tries to stay in contact with both sides of
the groove wall of the recording. Refer to figure 40.
The Anti-Skating Adjustment permits equalizing
for even side to side pressure. The correct amount of
Tracking Force and Anti-Skate varies with the exact
shape of the Stylus Tip and nally the audio signal
(both frequency and amplitude) contained in the
groove wall of the record.
To achieve good performance and the least amount
of Stylus Tip/Record Groove wear is to use a
Trackablity Test Record. Both Tracking Force and
Anti-Skate Adjustments are made as a result of
listening to the test record to reduce different forms
of audible distortions. Never exceed the manufactur
-
ers recommend Maximum Tracking Force Setting.
Your McIntosh Dealer, using Test Measurement
Equipment and Professional Test Recordings, can
achieve via adjustments, the best possible sound
quality from your record collection and ensure the
greatest longevity.
Figure 40
Figure 32
Stylus
Force
Gauge
Stylus Tip
Cartridge
Stylus Force Scale
(Graduations are in grams)
Figure 33
Stylus Force
Set higher than
gauge marking
Figure 34
Stylus Force
Set lower than
gauge marking
Figure 35
Stylus Force Set the
same as gauge marking
Figure 36
Locking Nut
Antiskating
Adjustment
Minimum
Antiskating
Setting
Figure 37
Midway
Antiskating
Setting
Figure 38
Maximum
Antiskating
Figure 39
Tone Arm Adjustments (continued)

McIntosh MT5 Specifications

General

Brand	McIntosh
Model	MT5
Category	Turntable
Language	English