Technics SL-1200GR setup question

Thanks for responding to my question, Audionoobie. The 1200 GR is a very popular choice among those who post here. I wonder whether anyone else who owns the 1200 GR with its standard tonearm could comment on your experience . I still find it odd or surprising at least that VTA adjustment is so limited. However, if it sounds good the way it is, it is good.

OP, I think you are fine.

I now have two arms with VTA on the fly, adjust while listening, and, like prior TT arms, I find a slight tilt down is best.

Prior Audio Technica TT was the same way, arm at zero/lowest had a slight tilt down. Sounded terrific.

VTA is really to get SRA correct, Stylus Rake Angle, tip in the groove: +/- 92 degrees

https://www.ortofon.com/hifi/products/hifi-cartridges/mc-a95/set-up/#:~:text=STYLUS%20RAKE%20ANGLE%2...

You can move your TT anywhere, a position where you can view sideways thru a magnifying glass, set arm height, then put TT where it belongs. 

I bought one of these, easy to check VTA which is easier to see, then view Stylus tip with magnifying glass.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HF9PEA4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have the 1200 G, and I believe arm adjustments to be the same as on  the GR.
The issue audionoobie raises is one I have myself sent requests to Technics' support about, but never received any answer. The fact that, although there is on-the-fly VTA adjustment on the table – it does not let one lower the arm down to the parallel level or below. I do not understand that anyone can insist that parallel is always right (or even the 7-9 mm raised back end). Correct level/angle varies from cartridge to cartridge; dependent on stylus rake angle, cantilever angle and compliance, cartridge height. I switch between 2 cartridges (Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC * and Benz Micro LP) and both offer better bass (not just more, but clearer and better defined) when I have set the back-end of the arm lower (i.e. below parallel). My prior deck (VPI Super Scout) had a much larger adjustment range than the Technics arm. Raising the back does not only cause the bass and lower mid-tone to become less distinct, but also carries a high-end distortion penalty – like sibilance. I have seen others complaining about this on the Technics, so it's obviously a design error. I have tried to work around the problem by using two mats at a time (cork/rubber and/or cork/leather) but it does not give me enough as the spindle is very short, so this leaves no room for a clamp or a record weight. I wish Technics would own up to this problem and come up with a solution.

I have commonly found that lowering the pivot with respect to the headshell does shift tonal balance toward the bass and that raising the pivot above level with respect to the headshell does shift tonal balance toward the treble, which, as you say, can enhance sibilance.  There are good reasons for this. Using a thicker mat doesn't help enough with VTA adjustability on the 1200GR?  Are all the G series models similarly affected? At least Audionoobie knows he has company.

Technics EPA-100 is much better tonearm and can be adjusted properly on any turntable.

Regarding G or GR stock tonearm all you need is a thicker mat or spacer between cartridge and shell and then tonearm will be parallel if you wish to.