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What angle should I set the VTA on my VPI turntable?

I can't believe after all these years, I am asking such a basic "analogue 101" question, but here it goes. I own a VPI turntable that has a "VTA on the fly" knob.  I thought the best VTA setting was for the arm to be 100% parallel to the record surface.  

However, based on some research, I am not so sure that is correct way to set the arm to achieve optimal VTA and correlatively, optimal SRA.  Not sure, ... but I think I have to raise the pivot side of the arm.

Any advice would be appreciated. 

Thanks.     
bifwynne
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,912 posts
 
Another VPI owner. With my Sussurro, sounds best when arm is slightly higher in the back 
cleeds
6,128 posts
 
wlutke
When VTA is changed, adjusting the tail up decreases VTF.
Just the opposite: Raising the "tail" (pivot) will increase VTA.
See VTA/SRA diagram here.
wlutke
744 posts
 
cleeds,
Wrong. On a unipivot the balance changes and I am correct.  You're comparing VTF and VTA.  Two different parameters.  
There is a typo though. There is no VTA/VTF block. It’s a VTA/Azimuth block. My bad.
lewm
13,583 posts
 
But if you replace VTA with VTF in cleeds post, the statement is correct, tail up, VTF up.
cleeds
6,128 posts
 
wlutke
cleeds,
Wrong. On a unipivot the balance changes and I am correct. You’re comparing VTF and VTA. Two different parameters.
You’re obviously confused.
VTA = Vertical Tracking Angle. Shown here.
VTF= Vertical Tracking Force. That’s the weight (force) on the stylus as it sits on the LP surface.

If you raise the "tail" (pivot) you can only increase VTA. It’s simple geometry - again, see diagram.

I’m not sure why you mentioned VTF but since you did: Increasing VTA by raising the "tail" (pivot) will also increase VTF. It will also decrease overhang. Again, this is all basic geometry and physics.
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