Tonearm Parallel?

It all depends on the cartridge IMO. I usually start with the cartridge parallel, after the cantilever has settled in, then listen with arm slightly lower and then slightly higher. You will find the sweet spot soon with one setting.

You start with arm tube parallel to the record surface (cartridge tracking weight within limits) and then go up or down.

Your cartridge manufacturer can give you the best guidance, since some cartridges require their top or bottom side to be parallel to record surface.

That is not the end of story though, as all other adjustments are equally crucial.

When you hit the spot the thing opens up considerably.

That’s what she said.

I’m sorry, that was just too good of a setup.

On a serious note, every cartridge will have a recommended angle for the cantilever in relation to playing the record. If you really want to get perfect about your setup, pick up a little usb microscope online. Shouldn’t cost but around $20. Then you can take photos and measure actual angle to verify things are perfect. I used to think my turntable was set up correctly, but just checking by eye had it 1.5° off. Once I fixed it to the recommended value, things were COMPLETELY different with so much more lively sound and detail. Definitely $20 well spent.

Here ya go!

https://www.amazon.com/Record-Measuring-Tonearm-Cartridge-Azimuth/dp/B07TXBB2JH/ref=sr_1_2?adgrpid=1345802832480670&hvadid=84112753102918&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=101285&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=p&hvtargid=kwd-84113057663977%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=7893_10674031&keywords=azimuth+tool&qid=1668438360&sr=8-2

I own a Sound-Smith Paua II on a VPI Prime Signature with JMW Uni-Pivot. Thought I had the cart and arm zeroed in but just had the opportunity to have J.R. from WAM Eng. install the dual pivot and correctly set up the cart. All I can say is WOW. You don't know what you are missing until you hear your TT/arm/cart properly set up. Fine Line styli require very careful alignment to sit into the grooves properly. I'm not trying to promote WAM but in my experience I now am convinced that without the proper set-up tools your cart is probably not performing at it's best. The geometries involved are in the sub-micron range. It's not something you can do by ear.