VTA is basically stylus geometry, groove tilt. Its importance is determined by complexity of stylus shape...a simple elliptical like the Grado signature only has to be approximately right. Other more complex shapes become critical because the actual stylus playing edge is shaped/directional. VTA doesn't care where you are on the record circumference.
Alignment is basically trying to get the stylus parallel to the groove to the best approximation possible. I say approximation because with a round record and pivoting arm you will start to deviate slightly as soon as you leave your measurement point. If alignment is badly off stereo imaging is compromised because you read one channel ahead of the other.
None of these generate tracking distortion, only loss of musical detail.
Its entirely possible that all that is needed is a record weight or clamp to insure tight contact between record and matt because the record label height is causing space and vinyl resonance thats damped further away from the label. If the matt itself has no concavity for the record label area a better mat should be purchased.
Alignment is basically trying to get the stylus parallel to the groove to the best approximation possible. I say approximation because with a round record and pivoting arm you will start to deviate slightly as soon as you leave your measurement point. If alignment is badly off stereo imaging is compromised because you read one channel ahead of the other.
None of these generate tracking distortion, only loss of musical detail.
Its entirely possible that all that is needed is a record weight or clamp to insure tight contact between record and matt because the record label height is causing space and vinyl resonance thats damped further away from the label. If the matt itself has no concavity for the record label area a better mat should be purchased.