one of the great design features of the Triplaner is that VTA can be set dynamically (as you are listening), it is easy to change, and the changes are repeatable (there is a scale).
you need a reference LP which has a track with space and clarity. maybe a string quartet or great piano recording. some people like a solo violin.
it is also helpful to use an Lp of average thickness.
once the cartridge is fully broken in and you have found the correct overhang, then level the arm (really, level the cartridge body which typically, but not always, levels the arm). note the location on the VTA scale.
drop the VTA half a turn. more bass and space? drop it more. less bass and space, raise it. you are looking for the VTA spot where the bass gets muddy as a bottom point on your scale. keep lowering until things get clearly worse. then start raising the VTA in half turns until the top end is airy and open. if it gets edgy you went too far. once you find the spot where the top end gets worse you start lowering the VTA until you find the best combination of top end refinement, space and bass. you may end up making 1/4 or 1/8th turns to really dial it in.
finding the right reference disc is half the challenge.
sometimes it is best done with 2 people; one to listen and one to turn. after you have done it a few times it can be done dynamically.
this does take some time particularly when getting use to the process.
make sure you write down the scale location and record thickness for the ideal spot. don't trust your memory.
lastly; sometimes my mind is not in the right place for doing this kind of thing. don't fight it. this kind of critical listening requires a bit of peace and contentment to work (at least for me). this is suppose to be fun.
you need a reference LP which has a track with space and clarity. maybe a string quartet or great piano recording. some people like a solo violin.
it is also helpful to use an Lp of average thickness.
once the cartridge is fully broken in and you have found the correct overhang, then level the arm (really, level the cartridge body which typically, but not always, levels the arm). note the location on the VTA scale.
drop the VTA half a turn. more bass and space? drop it more. less bass and space, raise it. you are looking for the VTA spot where the bass gets muddy as a bottom point on your scale. keep lowering until things get clearly worse. then start raising the VTA in half turns until the top end is airy and open. if it gets edgy you went too far. once you find the spot where the top end gets worse you start lowering the VTA until you find the best combination of top end refinement, space and bass. you may end up making 1/4 or 1/8th turns to really dial it in.
finding the right reference disc is half the challenge.
sometimes it is best done with 2 people; one to listen and one to turn. after you have done it a few times it can be done dynamically.
this does take some time particularly when getting use to the process.
make sure you write down the scale location and record thickness for the ideal spot. don't trust your memory.
lastly; sometimes my mind is not in the right place for doing this kind of thing. don't fight it. this kind of critical listening requires a bit of peace and contentment to work (at least for me). this is suppose to be fun.