Rule of thumb for VTA


Hi all,

I'm wondering if there is a rule of thumb for setting VTA? Really what I'm looking for is a quick way to rough out the VTA. Should the arm be level when the stylus is in the groove? Should the arm be sloping downwawrd from the pivot toward the cartridge? The reverse?

I know that the right answer is to listen and judge for myself but I have a Rega P25 which apparently doesn't offer much in the way of VTA adjustment so I would like to find a simple approach to get it close.

Thanks in advance,

Phil
phil0618

Showing 1 response by sdcampbell

I have had Rega tonearms on my VPI turntable (first the RB-900, and currently the RB-1000). Although the Rega arms lack provision for VTA adjustment, I have found Rega's stainless steel spacers between the tonearm base and armboard work quite well. I adjusted both the RB-900, and now the RB-1000, using a small level so the tonearm is level (i.e., parallel with the platter).

Since different manufacturers' cartridges vary in their stylus rake angle, the "ideal" VTA for the Rega tonearm will vary depending on the cartridge you use. Therefore, I suggest you set the VTA by making the tonearm level, and not worry about whether it should be 1 degree higher or lower.