Here is my opinion based on years of experience with vinyl, in response to your questions
1. I say stay with the maximum tracking force and do not exceed it at all. the designer of that cartridge is telling you that the 1.5g is where the sensativity deminished in the laboratory where it was designed
2. VTA referes to the angle of the cantilever in relation to the playing surface. If its 15 degrees, with the stylus at rest in a groove, look at eyelevel and determine the angle. Bear in mind that 180/220 gram vinyl is thicker and will alter this angle. So I usually set it for the 180 gram.
3.You don't mention what turntable you have. What type of mat is on it now? What is your cartridge,tonearm, etc. I would not alter the mat as a solution to VTA. Adjust your VTA correctly and then if after a time you "seek to tweek" try a different mat.
5.Anti Skate don't forget this very crucial adjustment. Once the other two have been set make sure that anti skate is set. If you have a glass platter it is very easy. Gently set the sylus at approximate center of playing field and adjust tracking force to a point where it wants to just start creeping away from the spindle.
6 happy listening
4. The best test record is the one that is most similar in thickness to your collection. I also have the Cardas record and though they make great cables, the record was a waste of money.
1. I say stay with the maximum tracking force and do not exceed it at all. the designer of that cartridge is telling you that the 1.5g is where the sensativity deminished in the laboratory where it was designed
2. VTA referes to the angle of the cantilever in relation to the playing surface. If its 15 degrees, with the stylus at rest in a groove, look at eyelevel and determine the angle. Bear in mind that 180/220 gram vinyl is thicker and will alter this angle. So I usually set it for the 180 gram.
3.You don't mention what turntable you have. What type of mat is on it now? What is your cartridge,tonearm, etc. I would not alter the mat as a solution to VTA. Adjust your VTA correctly and then if after a time you "seek to tweek" try a different mat.
5.Anti Skate don't forget this very crucial adjustment. Once the other two have been set make sure that anti skate is set. If you have a glass platter it is very easy. Gently set the sylus at approximate center of playing field and adjust tracking force to a point where it wants to just start creeping away from the spindle.
6 happy listening
4. The best test record is the one that is most similar in thickness to your collection. I also have the Cardas record and though they make great cables, the record was a waste of money.