VTA adjustment for VPI 10.5 tonearm

I agree with Stringreen. Set VTF first and do that with the arm as close to level as possible. The index card trick makes it easier to judge this with the taperred arm. Depending on what scale you use, you'll likely have to raise the arm for this measurement to have the arm level. I f you don't have the arm level, your VTF reading could be off by as much as .3 grams or more. This is the equivalent of measuring VTF at the level of the record(as the expensive Wally scale does)provided you then set the arm level with the record again when you're done. Once the arm is level with the record, lower VTA by 5 at a time until you find the spot you like.
Stringreen is probably right about the soft feet and anti scate as well but I'm still messing around with those on my SSM ref. The rim drive seems to work best with very light conact with the super platter. Not much pressure is needed. Mike at VPI told me if the platter spins a little longer than the flywheel on shut off that's about the right amount of contact. Also, where the platter runs the fastest is another indication that contact pressure is good. The drive belt does need to be in the "land" between the grooves in the metal area and probably best as close to the middle of this metal area as possible. Luckily, raising and leveling is easier with the mini feet than the older cone feet. Probably the mini foot's best selling point in my opinion.

The table was set up for me by music direct. They recommended similarly and have set VTF at 2.3gr and have already calibrated azimuth and set the VTA for a 180gr record and everything sounds good with it. I am not using any damping fluid or the manual antiskate device (I only put one clockwise turn on the lemo connector as recommended and it tracks pretty well even though my cartridge is somewhat old). The arm tube looks parallel and the back of the cartridge looks slightly raised when a thinner record is being played so I thought lowering the VTA from 85 to 50 would help. It certainly sounds better that way. The same is true of people who recommend setting the loading for my cartridge at 200-300 ohms when it sounds good at around 30ohms and too grainy if set higher. I have been adjusting according to sound and less so with precision measurements. I am quite new when it comes to fine tuning LP playback equipment and I appreciate all of your help guys.

One more thing Stringreen, there are rubber feet on the rim drive but how do you tell what is hard and soft when it comes to that? there seems to be some give to it but not much. Would it help to put felt under them?

Powerdoctor..the new VPI feet for the rim drive are very clearly soft. I found this to be very important for the rim drive to operate at its best (I'm sure next week there will be something to make it better).. anyway, the felt under the harder rubber, or metal feet work to some degree, but if you have a rim drive, I advise you to ask VPI for the new soft feet. There is a new "rubber" ring for the rim drive coming soon.

By the way...my point about the VTF setup is this. For each cartridge, there is one "best" VTF. I believe that tracking force is different for every single cartridge. The manufacturer might specify 1.5-2.5 grams, however, within that range, there is one and only one perfect tracking force for that cartridge. A VTF scale is not needed except to be sure that you are in the manufacturer's range, however, experimenting by ear by adding or reducing SLIGHTLY the VTF will reveal that magic spot. There are some arms (VPI et al) that once you get that magic spot, you have to readjust other settings. I can't tell you enough that if you want to know the real magic hidden in those groves, you can find it with this very careful setup.