Setting tonearm angle?

Yes, that is a sensible starting point. You might try lowering the arm a substantial amount, then raise it incrementally until it sounds best to your ear.

It will sound bass prominent at first, as it is raised, bass and treble will come into balance as the VTA gets to the proper setting.

Good luck,
Dan

I have an on-the-fly VTA adjuster on my Dynavector 501 arm (Pete Riggle), and I have several cartridges to adjust VTA on. They vary greatly in proper adjustment, from the Dynavector XX2MKII, two different Actex LPM, and Zu Denon 103R.

Having the Riggle VTA adjuster helps considerably in quickly setting VTA to optimum height. The point being, after overhang and alignment has been set for each cartridge, in their individual headshells, I have noticed no loss in sound quality due to improper overhang, just the improvement gained by proper VTA.

In other words, I haven't noticed the necessity of adjusting overhang as VTA is adjusted. I may be missing something, maybe the fact the sub-arm is so short that when the main arm is raised, the changes in VTA may occur with less variation in height of the main arm.

Further discussion would be welcome, as I am still learning about how to get the most out of my analog rig. I think I would go nuts if overhang had to be reset each time. Makes a good case for multiple tonearms/turntables.

Best regards,
Dan

Raul, all,

Regarding the status of my knowledge re cartridge set up, I have come a long way since re-intering the vinyl wars some 6-7 years ago. Much time and effort has been expended in expanding what I know about better set-up.

That includes a DIY restoration of my Garrard 401, including plinth and mounting the arm (Dynavector 501). What I am able to enjoy now is so much better than my previious rig, a VPI Scout Signature.

I have found there is much to learn with the vinyl format, and that is why I enjoy it so much. I have learned a lot. There is much more yet to learn, (I don't think it ever stops in this hobby), and I will attempt to see what can be gained by checking overhang with changes in VTA. One caveat here, is my old eyes, which makes fine adjustments difficult.

I intend to modify my home made overhang gauge, so it can be used with the cartridge-headshell mounted to the arm.

Even without trying to fine-tune every parameter when VTA adjustments are made, the sound is always enjoyable, and quite good, I think. perhaps a bit more attention to detail will yield even better results.

Thanks to all, enjoy,
Dan

I suppose I could be accused of stealing this thread, I hope you will indulge me.

After our previous discussion, I went a bit further in trying to fine-tune overgang/alignment last night.

I now know I have been remiss, in not optimizing overhang with changes in VTA. I was surprised by how much overhang was off, when checked with a MintLP tractor, made specifically for my Dyna 501 arm/Garrard 401. Less distortion due to incorrect overhang, made for a better listening session. I guess I'll have to stop my slothful ways.

Thanks Raul, and so many others that are the true worth of this forum.

Regards,
Dan