Vertical tracking force for Lyra etna lambda sl catridge

geof3" I’m playing with VTA a bit as well and currently have it set just a little below level, I’m thinking it’s a little “dead” there. So I may put it back to level."

You should try it with the arm base higher than the headshell. Most cartridges have the correct VTA with the tonearm slightly "tail up"

“arm base higher than headshell...”
Really? Is that even possible?

With the SME V that would be very high. Level for the V is based on the horizontal lines on the tapered arm. Steve Leung of VAS recommends level or slightly down for the Atlas. He rebuilt my cart.

@jperry @geof3 ,
my sme v is set up by don better of don better audio and he has the base of the arm slightly lower than the shell.  Is that recommended or should I make it flat horizontal as in the instruction manual . I have not experimented with either position . Didn’t want to change setup by the professional without good advice as I am new to accurate rig like this . I am used to rega plug and play till now .
The vtf I did adjust , he had set it at 1.9, When I reduced it to below 1.8 the sound started deteriorating. I have it a 1.82 now .
thanks everyone for your advice 

@newtoncr

my sme v is set up by don better of don better audio

Hey, fellow Clevelander  ? ;-) Lakewood here.