Question for VPI owners...VTA adjustments

My question is how do you know weight of these LP's????
Personally I think you are trying to be too precise and it's is a bit retentive with so fine an adjsutment for each LP..On my 12.5 I just eye it out and go by it's appearnce giving the older thick 50's and 180-200 gm (usually Classic Jazz issues) more height than say thin imports or 70's domestic rock LP's.I do know there is a way to do it by ear with test LP but again I just set it and fogatettaboutit!yes it's witht the VPI it is easy but I don't know if your getting that much out of such close differences on the markings.Then again I might be rationalizing my recent decison to give up my Memorial arm for an SME,Morch or other non-uni-pivot.want to try a multi arm set up and as much as I'll miss the Memorials easiest among all to adjust VTA I am tired of not having an antiskate which I know based on PHYSICS has to decrease stylus life and increase wear on the LP's.But I wonder if you got the test LP which has the VTA asistanmce if you's hear such small adjustments.
Happy Holidays
Chazz

Chazz:
I don't know whether its the cartridge or the revealing nature of my system, but I can categorically state that I can hear even minor adjustments to VTA. As a recent example, I just bought the new Aimee Mann Bachelor No. 2 on Mobile Fidelity. On first listen, I was extremely disappointed. So mush so, I questioned whether I had managed to buy a bootleg copy. I was suspicious only because no number was in the small box where the limited edition number should be. Based on my standard setting, I adjusted somewhat for the thick vinyl, but still the sound was thin and shrill. I actually lowered the setting from that used for standard weight LPs and the result was near magic. It brought the weight of the sound immediately into focus. The midrange was full, thick and lush. As with most things in life, there may be short-cuts, but for true enjoyment you must exercise patience. I understand those among us who prefer ease of set-up (set and forget), but isn't the idea of this entire hobby to bring one closer to the recorded event. Once again, the fun is in the details. Peace.

hello stew, this is how i do it, most of my lps are 120, if i play a 180 i will rise the arm by 60 increments, and for a 200 80 increaments, i have supported the arm and used a level to check where i was, the eye method was off quite a bit, now that i am real close at 120 i just adjust accordingly, it works for me, and you are right a little be off with the vta can dull or brighten up a lp, have a merry Christmas season,

When I first got my Aries2/JMW 10.5 I spent too much time concerned about proper VTA for various vinyl masses, but in the end settled as follows:
1) There is a "general optimal" setting that I use for everything, regardless of record mass except
2) Even for two or more recordings on the same vinyl mass, sometimes I have to adjust only because the cutting angle was what was varied. So I make a note as to what settting is good for that recording and attach a sticky to the inner sleeve to remind myself of the exception and the setting.