re: Audiophile/Vinyl Thread - Post Pics, Advice, Questions, Setups, etc.

The counter weight. When you mount the new cartridge, you have to balance the arm. Turn the counter weight in or out until the arm is level with the the turntable plith (base). Then you set the dial to zero. The cartridge will come with a sheet with suggested tracking (counterweight) force, usually something like 1.5-2.5 gram. So now you rotate the dial to the mid point of the suggested range (this is usually a good starting point).

FYI - correctly installing the cartridge is not just plug and play. You have to get everything aligned correctly. Did you perhaps get a cartridge alignment jig with the turntable? Also, the manual which will explain cartridge alignment. If not you can maybe find the manual online somewhere. Without the jig, you'll need an alignment protractor.