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 jazdoc

The magic 92 degree SRA number is only a starting point. From the original paper by Risch and Meier cited by Fremer:

"SRA, however, is generally 91 to 95 degrees relative to the record surface in order to facilitate lacquer "chip" (cutawaystrand) removal. Proper hi-fi set-up should therefore concentrate on cartridge' adjustment that has the tip of the stylus pointed "back" toward the tonearm pivot, and the top of the. stylus tipped "forward" so that the contact SRA face is 92 degrees between the stylus and the record surface.Such alignment will at least approximate correct SRA".

People will defend their favored methodology to the death. I generally agree with the OP; it's important to have a starting/anchoring point. However, it doesn't really matter how you start; it is only important to find a method that works for you to reach the happy end point. If you find comfort in measurements, arm yourself with a digital microscope. Others trust their hearing. As with most things in high end audio, there are precious few absolutes, only what works best for you.