I'm taking a poll...


Vote for A, B, or C---

Assuming all other turntable set-up parameters are dialed-in, optimum vinyl playback is achieved when:

A. You set the tonearm at level and leave it there.
B. You use your ears and adjust the VTA incrementally up or down.
C. You get the stylus to ride in the groove at a 2 degree angle forward, to match the assumed angle of the cutting stylus.
will_herrera
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
I would have to say B, as on my VPI I adjust for what is TO ME the proper balance between treble and bass. I knock no one for adjusting VTA (and VTF) for different thicknesses of LP's nor for doing same for every LP. I'm just not that anal. Also, the amount of adjusting I do is inversely proportional to the amount of zinfandel or single malt I have imbibed.--Mrmitch
I go for A, life is too short to adjust VTA with each record, particularly if VTA is not adjustable on the fly. The extra factor to consider is the cartridge. I think there is no doubt VTA affects the sound, in general front down accentuates treble, back down the base. I know it is'nt as simple as that. For my last Koetsu Rosewood signature, it sounded better front down slightly, with my current Zyx Airy 3, dead level.
I do'nt think one should ignore the potential for "tuning " the sound to your preference.
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?

Atlasiris,
You can look at the stylus (under magnification) from the side as it sits on a first surface mirror and adjust it for zero degrees easily. The stylus and its reflection will appear like a perfect "X". Then do a calculation that tells you how high to raise the arm to put the stylus at a 2 degree angle.