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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 manitunc

manitunc
795 posts
 
I set my arm initially with a bubble level on the headshell. If it sounds bloated, I raise the rear. If it sounds too shrill, I lower the rear. Level is usually pretty close to the final result though.
Also a good starting point for Azmith, although I use a Fozgometer for final adjustment, and then my ear.
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