Tonearm Parallel?

Parallel is the recommended place to begin.

FWIW, I always start with top of headshell parallel to platter surface and if necessary adjust up or down in tiny increments (<2mm typically) if need is perceived. And yes you can do this by ear.

👍 - Unfortunately, not all arm tubes are on line with their cartridge mount - where you’re trying begin as @lewm mentions

Potential pitfall 2.) Many tonearms create VTF changes for the cartridge/stylus when VTA is adjusted - be aware of what you’re listening to/for

Cartridge setups are a combing-through process that should finish in most cases as a “set & forget” with all the variables in-the-window 🎶

If differences are not experienced, then just go for a technically correct setup and call it a day.

I have to say that I really like using the WAM reference tool kit. It is a great way to know when the headshell will hold the cart parallel to the record surface. It will also confirm a neutral azimuth from the headshell perspective.  Great set up tools.

Always start with the tonearm level and adjust +/- from there as needed AFTER the cartridge has run in for 50 hours or so.  

However a level tonearm is irrelevant.  You really want a level top of cartridge headshell.  Tonearms are hard to sight in.  

My method is to put a bubble level on top of the headshell when the cartridge is resting on a non moving LP.  Of course the platter must also be level and you need to adjust the tracking force to temporarily compensate for the level weight. Then adjust the tonearm height.  Document the settings for a level cartridge and adjust from there. 

@jorgjean 

I have a similar question , " VTA my compromise setting "  .

Read the answers I received .

So parallel to which record ? a 140gr or a 180gr ?   

Also watch Soundsmith's Peter Ledermann's videos  ,  https://www.sound-smith.com/soundsmith-cartridge-alignment .

Interesting link, interesting videos. So many variables to get the sound right from the cartridge through the tonearm and the phonopreamp….
 

I have a program to do adjust adjustment. Once it is set for with the bajonett headshell for the various cartridges its done. The VTA you would have to adjust everytime you change the cartridge. It will obviously also change with the tracking force you apply. That looks very time consuming considering each cartridge has different height which changes the vta again..

I guess getting the VTA horizontal with the highest cartridge and adjusting the tracking force of the individual carftidges will bring me close.

Otherwise i would have to stick to 1 cardtridge and optimize it.