2. analog
  3. 1364613635

Parallel? How do you set the VTA?

Silly question, but how do you guys determine whether your tonearm is parallel to the record surface? I had my tonearm set up happily for months, but recently started messing around with the cartridge alignment and the VTA, and I'll be damned, but the folded index card method gets me nowhere now. Even with adjustments I keep getting the same visual effect. Happily my ear tells me when the setting is off, but as a base, how do you determine conclusively your tonearm is parallel? For reference, I have a VPI Classic. Thanks.
actusreus

Showing 1 response by dover

dover
2,177 posts
 
I have a screw gauge that slips under the arm lift.
1/4 turn of the screw equates to 1/1000 of an inch.
I can hear 1/1000 of an inch like night and day.
In reality you are only getting near the zone with bubble levels.

But then what about the cutterhead angle, which varies by record.
So the only way is to listen and dial in each record and using dial calipers to measure and record the height for each record.

Any takers ?
More to discover