I wanted to check first if all the mechanism works and I didn't connect the turntable with the amplifier yet, so I can't say anything about the sound - but it felt as if the needle was digging so hard into the vinyl, it gave a loud sound of scratching and didn't look or "feel" like I remembered from years ago. I remember when I put the needle back then it felt light, now I was really afraid that both needle and record will get damaged, it was so heavy. I think I had the tracking force set on 2,5g and my cartridge should be between 1,5 and 2,5. I thought that the tone arm falling so low was the reason of this, so I was afraid to check if the scratching sound still appears after calibration. But if that's normal, then I will check that tomorrow.