Parallel? How do you set the VTA?

Dover,

I've been doing exactly that for 10 years, except that I've no need for calipers. The height adjustment scale on my tonearm provides precisely repeatable settings.

The optimal arm height for each LP is recorded on a sticky note on the record jacket (and updated if I change cartridges). Setting arm height for a re-play takes only seconds.

Set and forget? Nope. Set and remember works better for me.

I don't change VTA when changing records -- that would require not only repeatable settings, it would really require listening and finding the ideal setting for each particular record. That would be a lifetime project.

I can hear the difference when I make surprisingly small changes in VTA by moving the arm up or down at its base. Whether this is really attributable entirely to a VTA change, or whether a small change in tracking force is also involved, is really an academic issue -- I hear a change regardless of the actual cause. But, I cannot see it being worth the effort to optimize VTA each time I play a record.

If differences in record thickness, and the resulting effect on sound, is that big a deal to someone, perhaps that person is a candidate for a longer arm -- the length will reduce the VTA change for any given change in height of the record surface.

I can’t see adjusting VTA for every album either. What happens if you change your cartridge? You’ve got to start all over with each album. Not criticizing those who do adjust for each album…it’s just not for me

The beauty of the ET2 linear tracking, air bearing tonearm (along with other beauties): easy (takes seconds), repeatable, VTA/SRA adjustments; WHILE THE RECORD IS PLAYING!

The magic 92 degree SRA number is only a starting point. From the original paper by Risch and Meier cited by Fremer:

"SRA, however, is generally 91 to 95 degrees relative to the record surface in order to facilitate lacquer "chip" (cutawaystrand) removal. Proper hi-fi set-up should therefore concentrate on cartridge' adjustment that has the tip of the stylus pointed "back" toward the tonearm pivot, and the top of the. stylus tipped "forward" so that the contact SRA face is 92 degrees between the stylus and the record surface.Such alignment will at least approximate correct SRA".

People will defend their favored methodology to the death. I generally agree with the OP; it's important to have a starting/anchoring point. However, it doesn't really matter how you start; it is only important to find a method that works for you to reach the happy end point. If you find comfort in measurements, arm yourself with a digital microscope. Others trust their hearing. As with most things in high end audio, there are precious few absolutes, only what works best for you.