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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
lewm
13,282 posts
 
Hshifi is conflating SRA (~92 degrees) with VTA (~21-23 degrees). The two are interdependent of course.

Mijo, an analysis of data in the form of photos posted on vinyl asylum (I think) revealed that most “amateurs” draw the lines incorrectly when adjusting SRA with a USB camera. Thus they arrive at incorrect SRA. Personally I take it as the height of anal audiophilia even to try it. But that’s just me.
dover
2,262 posts
 
@noromance 

Raised at the back is lighter and brighter. Lower is heavier bass and rolled off highs. Find your preference in between. 


This is the most common mistake in setting VTA.

VTA should not be used as a tone control.
The correct VTA is when the information retrieval and soundstage presentation are maximised. That is when the stylus is aligned to the cutting angle used for the record and maximum information including natural harmonic structure is preserved on reproduction.

dover
2,262 posts
 
@audioguy

 In general, you want the tonearm parallel to the record...from there, you can tweak it to your liking, cartridge ass down, or tipped forward...generally ass down, more bass and more full, tipped forward, more treble or high frequency detail..
This is the most common mistake in setting VTA.

This is not correct.

VTA should not be used as a tone control.
The correct VTA is when the information retrieval and soundstage presentation are maximised. That is when the stylus is aligned to the cutting angle used for the record and maximum information including natural harmonic structure is preserved on reproduction.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
@lewm , amazing that many people flunked out of geometry isn't it?
I already have the microscope and the set up so why not use it? It makes me feel better knowing I am right on.......even if the records are not:-) Trust me on this. I did not flunk out of geometry. That stereo cabinet I showed you was designed in my head. There were never any plans, just a list of measurements of such things as records and all the equipment. 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
@dover , I definitely agree that VTA should not be used as a tone control.
However, I think the rest of your statement may be a bit on the flowery side. Most people, myself included can not hear a degree or two one way or the other and that is probably within the degree of error of the lathes anyway. I am a set it and forget it kind of guy. But when I set it it must be right on the money, as he slams his fist on the desk for effect:-)
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