Help setting up cartridge VTA

Sorry, I never had a cartridge that used negative VTA. My apologies for the partial "bum steer".

I also have a Star but I am using a Rega RB 900 with the Benz Glider and I have to use a slightly negative VTA with this combination. You have it much better though since the Rega has no VTA adjustment while the SME is fairly easy to work with. With a nude cartridge setting the VTA is more difficult too. If your Benz has a body you can use the under side of it as a guide. Run the cartridge a little less than parallel to the record surface. Measurements are useless here as very few people will have the tools nessasary to make the measurements. Use your record clamp while doing the adjustment or the lip on the edge of the platter can raise your record ever so slightly. It comes down to the fact that all of these little things are finally settled by ear not measurement. Good luck. Nrchy

In theory, the stylus should track @12 degrees positive to the LP surface. In theory, cantilevers are designed to account for this, when seemingly parallel to the LP surface. In practise, you have to experiment, starting from the parallel point -- as detailed above. VTA tips from the cartridge manufacturer or, better still, from users are very useful IMO.
Pls note, however: don't forget to adjust the OVERHANG too, as +/- VTA can change the effective length of your arm!
Good luck & enjoy!