best way to figure out vta on tonearm

thx. for the above comments: very helpful!
So far with my Grado I've been using it parallel to the record surface with good results but haven't yet tried experimenting much. It did not work very well when tilted upward toward the rear; bass response was lean.
Jvr there is a popular test record available from Audio Advisor.com: it's the Hi Fi News & Record Review LP (a.k.a. HFNRR). I just received mine but haven't tried it yet. There are a number of different test tracks for optimizing VTA, tracking force, antiskating force, etc.

Sure Max I'll report back but it might be awhile. I just got the HFNRR test setup record; based upon a number of rec's that I'd read they seemed to prefer this one above others such as the Schure.
Here's a link to a review of the HFNRR test record:
http://www.tnt-audio.com/accessories/hfnrrdisc_e.html

However my "new to me" VPI TT has an issue with the bearing carrier not aligning perfectly tangent to the deck; if the platter is leveled then the arm is off kilter by several degrees so I'm making up a custom set of bearing shim washers to recitfy that.
When everything is all set I figure I'll begin setup alignment at nominal, then tweak by ear (I am not experienced at this so don't know exactly what to listen for, but I'll try). Following several hours of listening I'll then attempt to optimize alignment with the test record's instructions & perhaps even my oscilloscope, then go back & listen some more to compare. It will be an interesting learning experience; as in your case I figure that the test equipment will get me into the ballpark but the final alignment will best be optimized by ear.
Now I have a "bone to pick" with you about that Sony. My very first machine was the 102 which was pretty expensive compared to the competition way back then, but was worth the $. Maybe it was their oversampling? That player served me very well for way longer than it should have; even *years* later when others heard my rig they still complimented me on its' smoothness & finesse.
Don't even get me started about "tales from the stereo shop" I worked at a couple of those myself.
later...