The Pro-Ject 68g Counterweight (part number 028) is a replacement and upgrade counterweight for compatible Pro-Ject tonearms. It is intended for cartridges at the heavier end of the mass spectrum, where the standard counterweight supplied with the tonearm does not provide sufficient range to achieve correct tracking force and balance.
Purpose and Application
A tonearm counterweight serves a fundamental role in vinyl playback: it provides the opposing mass needed to set vertical tracking force (VTF) precisely at the cartridge manufacturer's recommendation. Different cartridges vary considerably in body mass, and the 68g counterweight addresses high-mass cartridge installations where a lighter counterweight would run out of adjustment range before reaching the required balance point. Installing the correct counterweight ensures the stylus tracks the groove at the optimal force, preserving both record condition and cartridge life.
Compatible Tonearms
The 028 counterweight is compatible with Pro-Ject EVO series tonearms, which feature a threaded spindle accepting the range of Pro-Ject counterweight options. It may also be compatible with earlier Pro-Ject 9 and 10 series arms sharing the same spindle geometry. Always verify compatibility with your specific tonearm model before ordering.
Construction
The counterweight is machined from aluminium, keeping the overall mass predictable and consistent. Pro-Ject's EVO series counterweights incorporate a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) damping insert within the body. This insert decouples the counterweight mass from the tonearm spindle at resonant frequencies, reducing the transmission of unwanted vibrations back along the arm tube and improving trackability.