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How do I balance the tonearm and set the tracking force?

Tonearm Balancing, Tracking Force & Anti-Skate Setup

Properly balancing the tonearm and setting the tracking force is the most important step when setting up your turntable. This determines how much downward pressure the stylus applies to the record.

When set correctly, this helps prevent:

  • Skipping
  • Skating (tonearm sliding across the record)
  • Stylus not making proper contact
  • Poor audio quality

Video Setup Guides

RT80 / RT81 Setup

How to Set Up the Fluance® RT80 & RT81 Turntable

Reference Series Setup (RT82–RT85)

How to Set Up the Reference Turntables (RT82, RT83, RT84, RT85)

Step-by-Step: Tonearm Balancing & Setup

Important: Always reset anti-skate to 0 before balancing the tonearm.

  1. Install platter, belt, counterweight, and headshell (if not already completed).
  2. Remove the stylus protector.
  3. Unlock the tonearm and raise the cueing lever.
  4. Position the tonearm over the platter.
  5. While holding the headshell, lower the cueing lever. Do NOT allow the stylus to touch the platter.
  6. Turn the entire counterweight until the tonearm floats horizontally (balanced).
  7. Set only the counterweight indicator ring to “0” while keeping the tonearm balanced.
  8. Lock the tonearm back on the rest.
  9. Rotate the entire counterweight to the recommended tracking force.
  10. Set the anti-skate value to match the tracking force (starting point).

Tracking Force & Anti-Skate Guidelines

Additional Notes

  • Set anti-skate after adjusting tracking force
  • Anti-skate values are a starting point and may require fine-tuning
  • If restarting setup, reset anti-skate to 0
  • Ensure the turntable is level for best performance