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Setting tonearm angle?

I recently lucked out and got a great deal on a VPI Scoutmaster 2 with JWM 9T arm and proceeded to set it up.
I had never owned a high end table like this so the set up was a bit new. My question concerns the VTA of the arm. I set it by measuring from the bottom surface of the arm to the record surface at several places along the arm to get the arm as close to level as possible.
Is that a logical thing to have done? Would the sound better if the angle was biased in one way or the other? (Dynavector DV-20X2 H cart being used) Thanks.
rmcfee

Showing 4 responses by actusreus

actusreus
733 posts
 
I use an index card folded evenly along one of the lines on my VPI Classic. Less work and less chance of inadvertently hitting the tonearm with a ruler and possibly damaging the cartridge.

I've heard there are tiny levels out there that can be attached to the headshell or the tonearm tube, but I've yet to see one. They would have to be extremely light not to affect the cart's suspension and thus the VTA. I suppose if such a level could be had, it'd be the most accurate way to set the VTA parallel to the record surface in the absence of such a feature on the tonearm itself (Graham Phantom for example).

Oh, you could rely on your ear and set the VTA to your liking...
actusreus
733 posts
 
Why would the azimuth change when you adjust the VTA? The two are set in two different planes. The SRA and overhang, sure, but not the azimuth.
actusreus
733 posts
 
Rockitman,
Where does one get such a small bubble level? I tried to use a small (as compared to what you usually see) level attached to the tonearm tube, but it was too heavy and was compressing the cantilever way too much to make it usable.
If you know your level is 0.5 g you can easily make that adjustment with the counterweight to counteract the compression.
actusreus
733 posts
 
Thanks for the link, Rockitman!
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