How to properly set up a turntable

mglik, as others suggested, it can be a basic or a complex procedure.

The basic, as a bare minimum, would include 1) overhang and offset angle (the SmartTractor with noted caution), 2) VTF set to middle of mfg's recommended range, 3) adjust anti-skate (if available) to about 70% of tracking force value, 4) VTA generalized with tonearm parallel to record surface with stylus in groove, and 5) double check overhang was not changed by VTA adjustment.  This should allow listening enjoyment without worrying that you are damaging anything.

Then to learn more about a thorough set up look at Cartridge and Turntable Set Up links here - https://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/d.mpl?audio/faq.html  Also you can find multiple videos on YouTube.  Review both sets of information to become familiar with the process.  Then you can fine tune your basic set up with a more complete process.

Good luck and have fun.

dangcaonguyen

What is HTA?

Horizontal tracking angle.

Yes Larry, if you like playing around with VTA. It is a PITA to do that with most arms and most people do not want to play around with their table once it is set up. If you like playing around with VTA you need to get an arm with a VTA tower. 
I like the idea of using an index card to set the tonearm parallel. I have a very good eye for that kind of thing but I am sure many people will find that useful.
Cleeds, horizontal tracking angle is only important when your pleasing the wife:)

Thanks for all the help.
Will check YouTube, but I am going to first try to set the HTA. Think that is getting the arm (Ortophon 309) parallel. That is way off. Can I eyeball that for a start. Don’t understand the methods for exactly adjusting it. I will try to use the SmartTractor although I don’t really know what it is for!Believe the loading of the phono stage is set ok. Before I got my Audible Illusions back with the John Curl gold phono board I asked Art about my cartridge matching. He said it would be good.
The table itself is level.
Regarding professional set up, this will not be possible for several or many months-better safe than sorry. I do know a store that does it for $600! That motivates me to learn it myself. And I believe there will be satisfaction of “mission accomplished”. Had thought of buying a Zesto Andros 1.2 beautiful tube phono. I am a SET guy and heard the Zesto at RMAF. Man, that was the best sound at the show.
I can never forget that phono stage. But I think the John Curl in my AI is good and $5K++ with a good additional IC is a lot. But that may be the biggest improvement of all?

Just set the HTA. Of concern is that I had to put the arm all the way down. Eyeball, it looks very close to parallel but if I could put it dow more I would. But the piano is now exactly in the center and the speakers completely disappeared. And this is a very old recording but it is much more enjoyable! Before this, I would want to take this recording off. Now I love it. Hey, thanks you guys!
I hope I didn’t damage the cartridge by the bad HTA? Also thinking more highly of the Curl phono board.