The 5 main advantages of the new TNG-Spinner Counterweight are:
- The center of gravity of the counterweight is below the center of gravity of the tonearm (Underslung weight)
- The set includes a decoupling adapter for the metal end stub (no need to remove)
- Core design: It can be adjustable between three successive weights.
- Precise adjustments are possible (Mechanical Macro & Micro) to optimize tracking weight.
- Precisely engineered to match the exacting design tolerances of Rega tonearms
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The position of the counterweight on a turntable tonearm relative to its pivot point significantly influences its performance due to several technical reasons.
Tracking Force Management: The primary function of the counterweight is to balance the tracking force exerted by the stylus on the record surface.
This force needs to be precisely controlled to ensure optimal playback fidelity and to prevent unnecessary wear on both the stylus and the record itself. Placing the counterweight closer to the pivot point leads to less moment of inertia, reducing the parasitic forces that tend to keep the arm moving in its initial direction rather than following the groove
Minimization of Tracking Errors: Tracking errors, such as skating force (the lateral force that pulls the stylus towards the center of the record), are also influenced by the counterweight position. When the counterweight is nearer to the pivot, the arm's moment of inertia is reduced, which minimizes the effects of external forces and improves the arm's ability to maintain precise alignment with the record groove. This reduces distortions and improves the accuracy of the audio signal retrieval.
Mechanical Stability: A turntable tonearm operates with a delicate balance of mechanical stability and sensitivity. Placing the counterweight closer to the pivot reduces the arm's moment of inertia, which can enhance its ability to respond quickly and accurately to the nuances of the record groove. This responsiveness is crucial for faithfully reproducing the audio signal without introducing unwanted artifacts.
Optimal Design for Performance: Turntable tonearm designs are typically engineered to achieve a balance between effective tracking force control, mechanical stability, and minimal interference with the record surface. Placing the counterweight closer to the pivot point allows the tonearm to more effectively achieve these design goals.
Also, the underslung placement of the counterweight on a turntable tonearm represents a sophisticated engineering solution to enhance performance by improving stability, optimizing tracking force control, enhancing mechanical isolation, and aligning with the overall design goals of high-fidelity audio playback systems. These technical advantages underscore why an underslung counterweight is preferred for achieving superior audio reproduction quality in professional and audiophile-grade turntable setups.
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The mechanical adjustment mechanism uses threads to move the counterweight along its shaft. This allows incremental and well controlled adjustments of the tracking force applied to the stylus. Each adjustment, easily performed by rotation of part(s) corresponds to a specific precise change in tracking force, typically less than a tenth of a gram.
This precision ensures that adjustments can be made in small increments, enabling fine-tuning to achieve the optimal tracking force for different records and stylus configurations.
Manual adjustment methods without the help of a mechanism may require more effort and trial-and-error to achieve the desired tracking force, potentially leading to frustration and suboptimal performance.
This holistic approach contributes to better tracking accuracy, reduced distortion, and enhanced audio fidelity compared to manual adjustment methods, which may not take these factors into account.
Mechanically adjustable counterweights are designed to withstand repeated use and provide long-term reliability. They are also designed for quick and accurate repeatability and a better reproducibility (less relying on the operator&rsquos skills and patience)
High-quality materials and precision manufacturing ensure that these mechanisms operate smoothly and maintain their calibration over extended periods. In contrast, manual adjustment methods relying solely on sliding or moving the counterweight along a shaft may wear down components over time, leading to degraded performance and potentially requiring more frequent maintenance.
