Setting up my new 1210 / Stanton 500 AL-11

[Dj Falcon]

I am in the process of setting up my new Technics 1210MK2 and a Stanton 500 AL-11 Cartridge, which I am told is ok for general stuff.
My question is - What is the perpose of the metal weight, included in the box? Is it essential for my specific cart?
Or is it just a personal thing?

Thanx in advance.

[mattu]

you mean the little thing that is supposed to be screwed on at the end of the tonearm to balance it up? I never use it. You want as much downforce on the needle so it won't skip, so nevermind about it. Just run the calibration wheel as far in as you can and set the weight on 3.5 or so.

[Dj Falcon]

Not quite....I am talkin about the piece of metal that comes with the cartridge, about 15mm x 20mm x 2 mm. I think it supposed to be screwed between the headshell and the actual cart to add pressure to the stylus on the record.

[mattu]

Ah OK, sorry, me dumb. Yeah, use the extra weight there, it's needed for stability and to avoid skipping (that said, I lost my thingies on my Stanton 680s, so those carts are a little unstable - but I rarely use them, as I have Concordes on my decks).

[Dj Falcon]

Thanx..."Concords? R They expensive?
I was on a budget when buying mine, so the guy in the shop recomended 500 AL-11 for all perpose use.
What are the advantages of more expensive carts?