If you’ve recently purchased the Retrolife UD006 record player system, you may have noticed the counterweight at the back of the tonearm. This small but important component plays a big role in protecting your records, extending the life of your stylus, and ensuring you get the best possible sound quality. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the counterweight does, the recommended settings for the UD006, and a step-by-step process to adjust it properly.
What Is a Counterweight and Why Does It Matter?
The counterweight is a round, adjustable piece located at the rear end of the tonearm. Its job is to balance the tonearm and apply the correct tracking force ,the downward pressure of the stylus on the record groove.
Too much force can wear out your records and damage the stylus tip.
Too little force can cause skipping, distortion, or the stylus bouncing out of the groove.
Correct adjustment ensures smooth playback, accurate sound reproduction, and long-term protection for your vinyl collection.
Recommended Tracking Force for the UD006
The UD006 comes pre-installed with the Audio-Technica ATN-3600L cartridge. This is a reliable entry-level moving magnet cartridge that works well with most types of records. For the ATN-3600L stylus, the recommended tracking force is 3.0g ± 0.5g. Staying within this range will give you clear sound without putting unnecessary stress on your records or stylus.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Adjust the Counterweight on the UD006
Follow these steps to correctly set up your turntable’s counterweight:
Step 1: Unlock the Tonearm
Remove the protective tie-wrap and unlock the tonearm from its rest.
Step 2: Position the Cartridge
Lower the tonearm lift lever so the cartridge hovers in the space between the tonearm rest and the platter.
Step 3: Balance the Tonearm
Carefully rotate the counterweight until the tonearm floats horizontally, this is called neutral balance. The tonearm should neither drop nor rise when moved slightly up or down.
Step 4: Set the Tracking Force Dial
Once balanced, return the tonearm to its rest. While holding the counterweight steady, gently rotate the tracking force dial until the “0” mark aligns with the centerline on the rear of the tonearm. This locks in your balance point.
Step 5: Apply the Recommended Tracking Force
Turn the entire counterweight counterclockwise (as seen from the front) to set the desired tracking force. For the UD006 factory cartridge, rotate until the dial shows 3.0 grams.
👉 Each mark on the scale represents 0.05g, so small adjustments may be necessary to reach the correct setting.
How to Check If the Adjustment Is Correct
Once you’ve set the counterweight:
Place a record on the platter and gently lower the tonearm.
The stylus should rest securely in the groove without sliding or skipping.
Music should sound clear and balanced, without distortion or muffled tones.
If playback is unstable, recheck the tracking force and adjust again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Setting the force too light – causes skipping, weak bass, and stylus mis-tracking.
Setting the force too heavy – puts stress on vinyl grooves and accelerates wear.
Forgetting to re-check after adjustments – always confirm balance before finalizing.
Adjusting the counterweight on your Retrolife UD006 vintage record player might seem technical at first, but it’s a simple process once you understand the steps. Correct adjustment not only improves sound quality but also extends the life of both your vinyl records and your stylus.
Take a few minutes to balance the tonearm properly, and you’ll be rewarded with smooth, high-quality playback every time.