I'm taking a poll...

Rauliruegas has very good points on how to look at the LP system. So my answer is: it depends on your system and if your are playing mono or stereo!

My situation: I have a one TT/Arm system but play stereo with a Koetsu OPS in one B-44 arm wand and mono with Lyra Titian in second B-44 arm wand, I end up with two loadings two TFA's, and two VTA's. One setting for each - usually that's all. Have I tired more, yes. But the complications out-wade benefits on most records. The more anal you are the more you can do - it's just time, frustration and money.

I guess I am closer to "B" but in addition to vta, vtf is also important. Actually, i have gone through several iterations of vtf, vta and resetting overhang (i have a modded linear arm so its pretty easy) to reach my optimum for my cartridge. I will adjust for record thickness if I put on one of the real thin ones or if the sound isnt quite right. I think they call this an affliction
enjoy

Hi Will,

1st of all, I don't understand the 2 degrees bit. 2 degs from where to what?

2nd thing, if its SRA thats being referred to, should'nt it be 88 or 92 degrees?

How do we measure 2 degrees on something like a stylus? A profile projector. I have one at work, costs 40k, does anybody else own one?

Even if we did have it, how do you measure it and set it up on something sooooo compliant like a cantilever???

I have a solution to this. I've built an infinitely variable suspension system for the mounting of cartridges. Just tracks accurately everytime. The music, is so much more FREEEEE sounding.

Cheers!

assuming you have on-the-fly VTA, why not adjust it? It makes quite a bit of difference when the VTA is dialed in. I mark the setting on the plastic sleeve of the LP and can quickly reset for each LP.

I adjust VTA by listening to width and depth of the soundstage, and also to clean definition, but I do not adjust VTA as a tone control. Although my VPI tonearm is VERY easy to adjust on the fly...I just leave it alone once I get it to my satisfaction