Tracking Force: After achieving the correct alignment of the cartridge in the headshell, nal adjustment
of tracking force can be made. The suspension systems and stylus types used in Oyster™ cartridges are
designed to perform optimally when a tracking force of between 1.7 2.3 grams is applied, depending on –
which model. If under 1.7 grams tracking force is applied, the stylus will not securely seat in the record
groove, resulting in increased record and stylus wear. At greater than 2.3 grams tracking force, the
suspension is no longer functioning properly and dynamics will be lost. Record damage will occur more
readily with too little tracking force, rather than too much. A recommended optimum tracking force setting
is given for each model in the specication section of this manual.
Anti-Skate/Bias: Due to the rotational inertia of pivoted tonearms, the friction of the stylus on the record
groove produces a force pulling the stylus toward the center of the record. Anti-Skate (or mechanical
bias) is added to compensate for this force in order to equalize the stylus tracking on the sides of the
groove walls. Because this is a dynamic force, do not attempt adjustment using a blank or grooveless
record, as this will result in over compensation.
When using a Sumiko Oyster™ moving magnet cartridges a value equal to the tracking force should be
applied as anti-skate. Two grams tracking force = Two grams of anti-skate.
Vertical Tracking Angle/Stylus Rake Angle: The dimensions of the cutting stylus used in mastering
each vinyl record create a rake (forward-backward tilt) of the record groove. The rake angle may change
for dierent records depending on the method of mastering used. The corresponding rake of the playback
stylus will be one of the determining factors in the delivered performance of your Oyster™ cartridge;
however, all Oyster™ cartridges are designed to give excellent performance over a very wide window of
rake angles. If your tonearm does not have rake or adjustable height adjustment, you may rest assured
that your cartridge will deliver a very high degree of performance. The following is intended for those who
own a tonearm that allows for the adjustment of rake or arm pillar height. To optimize, start with the
tonearm oriented with the back of the arm lower than the front by ≈ 1/2 inch. Listen to a recording
of acoustical music, recorded in real space, to determine the tonal balance and soundstage presentation.
Adjust the tonearm pivot height upwards ≈ 1/6 inch at a time and listen to the changes. When the correct
orientation has been achieved, the soundstage will be better dened and the music will have a richer
harmonic structure. Additionally, surface noise will be reduced dramatically. If the soundstage comes into
focus and becomes very lifelike, but the sound has a slight hardness to the upper frequencies, the
azimuth is probably misaligned (see azimuth section for adjustment details).
Azimuth: For optimum tracking of the record grooves, the stylus must be in correct azimuth (side- -side to
tilt) alignment. Gross side- -side tilt will result in an actual channel imbalance, but this is not a likely to
scenario. More likely, any sort of an azimuth error that you will experience will result in tonal aberrations in
the upper frequencies and not a channel imbalance.
Loading: All Sumiko Oyster™ moving magnet cartridges are designed to work into a standard moving
magnet phone stage at 47kΩ loading. It is normal to experience a slightly lower output from your phono
stage relative to a line stage device such as a CD player.
Note: If your receiver or pre-amp has capacitance loading capabilities, Sumiko cartridges should be
loaded with a value no higher than 200pf.
Maintenance Cleaning: Optimum performance can only be achieved by maintaining a clean stylus and
record surface. If your records are kept very clean, the brush supplied with your cartridge will suice to
remove accumulated dust if it is used after each play. Be sure to either turn the volume down or select a
dierent input prior to doing this. Only use a back to front motion when contacting the stylus during
cleaning. To remove compacted debris, we recommend LAST cleaning products as the
best and safest stylus cleaner available.
Important: Extreme caution should be exercised in cleaning the stylus. A single front to back motion can
permanently damage the cantilever.
