VTA my compromise in setting

Setting it for the "mean" of your LP library would make sense, but if you do not hear a difference between 145/180 I can't imagine how you would go about it.

Maybe just forget about it for now and if you come across a thin LP that's sounds "thin" try replaying it with a shim mat.

I'm on my 3rd/last DIY rice paper/cork spot mat as I no longer have enough material left to make #4. 

Dreading looking for a replacement, though I do know that I do not care for squishy and/or ribbed rubber (like the OEM) in my setup - which narrows it down a tad.

DeKay

@fsonicsmith 

I'm a bit confused and taken back by your response , while I compromised on setting my VTA for a 160gr record or about the middle of the weight range you compromised on Bob !  We're both locked in aren't we ?

@dekay 

The mean might be closer to 155 but the 160 is close enough.  Today I played a 1976 German pressing of the Doors that weighed 114gr and it sounded great to my ears .  What weight record is your cartridge level ? SME like my ex-Rega have tapered arms making the use of a level arm " APITA " .

My thought on mats is that if I used one for lightweight records I would want to use a different weight for the rest of the records to keep the sonic consistency then that would open another can of worms ,Which design , do I try different materials etc .  

So sticking to " My Compromise "  locked in with a bolt VTA setting . 

My TT has an acrylic platter with a lead mat !

SME like my ex-Rega have tapered arms making the use of a level arm

Use the headshell to determine if the tonearm is parallel to the platter  

Happy Thanksgiving 

True, first I check to see if the cartridge is level then I use the straight arm because you have a longer parallel line for better accuracy .

Now in about an hour I'll be ready for pumpkin and pecan pie .