Before you start playing with raising or lowering the tone arm to adjust VTA, you need a reference point. To start the process, be sure that your tonearm is level with the record surface -- a small bubble level that can rest on top of the tonearm is helpful.
Most of the time, I have found that imaging and focus improve when the rear of the tonearm is just SLIGHTLY lower than the front, i.e., there is a slight downward angle.
As others have noted, getting the right VTA is a matter of trial-and-error, but once you have the level reference point it becomes easier to make changes.
Most of the time, I have found that imaging and focus improve when the rear of the tonearm is just SLIGHTLY lower than the front, i.e., there is a slight downward angle.
As others have noted, getting the right VTA is a matter of trial-and-error, but once you have the level reference point it becomes easier to make changes.