{"product_id":"ortofon-ds-3","title":"Ortofon DS-3 Digital Tracking Force Gauge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Ortofon DS-3 is a digital tracking force gauge that measures your cartridge's tracking force to an accuracy of ±0.01 g – so you set up your tonearm by facts, not by feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the DS-3?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn incorrectly set tracking force costs both sound and stylus: too light, and the stylus skips and distorts; too heavy, and both groove and diamond wear faster. The DS-3 comes calibrated from the factory, has a deliberately non-magnetic housing – so an MC cartridge's magnetic field doesn't distort the reading – and covers every tonearm with a range of 0.1–200 g. Set the stylus down, read the value, done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA precise, reproducible setup for your tonearm at any time – accurate to the hundredth of a gram. The illuminated LCD is readable even in dim light, and auto-dimming plus auto-off save the battery. This way you set up any cartridge cleanly and protect stylus and vinyl from unnecessary wear along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the DS-3 for – and who is it not for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for anyone with an adjustable tonearm and a high-quality cartridge where 0.1 g is audible. \u003cstrong\u003ePlain talk:\u003c\/strong\u003e if you run a simple entry-level turntable with a fixed counterweight, you can't adjust anything anyway and don't need the gauge. And if you already own a mechanical Ortofon spring scale and are happy with it, you mainly gain convenience and readability, not different sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn unassuming, thoroughly solid precision scale: set the stylus down, the value holds, no drift, no second measurement. For anyone who owns a good cartridge, one of the most worthwhile small tools there is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical data\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeasurement accuracy: ±0.01 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeasurement range: 0.1–200 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay: backlit LCD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHousing: non-magnetic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalibration: factory-set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuto-dimming: after 5 s of inactivity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuto-off: after 60 s of inactivity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 120 × 60 × 17 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 70 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin: Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScope of delivery: Ortofon DS-3, 2× AAA batteries, instruction manual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I need to recalibrate the DS-3 before every measurement?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo – the DS-3 is calibrated at the factory and ready to use straight away. Just switch it on, check the zero point, place the stylus on the measuring surface and read the value. A manual zero adjustment only makes sense after extended non-use or a battery change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the DS-3 also work with heavy vintage cartridges like an Ortofon SPU?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The measurement range goes up to 200 g, far beyond any real-world tracking force – an SPU is typically set to 2.5–3.5 g. The DS-3 suits any common cartridge, from a light MC to a heavy classic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat powers the DS-3?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo AAA batteries, which are included. Thanks to auto-dimming after five seconds and auto-off after 60 seconds, they last a long time. Changing the batteries is straightforward; afterwards a quick zero-point check is worthwhile so the measurement is accurate to the hundredth again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the Ortofon DS-3 at HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause a scale is only as good as the setup that results from it. We show you how to properly align tracking force, anti-skating and more – or set up your tonearm for you right here in Wädenswil. Original Ortofon, with honest advice from Andy and Mauri.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGoes well with:\u003c\/strong\u003e the matching \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/tonabnehmer\"\u003ecartridge\u003c\/a\u003e, the right \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/plattenspieler\"\u003eturntable\u003c\/a\u003e and everything around \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/alles-vinyl\"\u003evinyl\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ortofon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52989548593488,"sku":"299405","price":159.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/ortofon-ds-3-digitale-nadeldruckwaage-displayansicht.png?v=1786614461","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en\/products\/ortofon-ds-3","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}