Getting arm height right is a two step process:
STEP 1
Rough in the height visually. This can be done in different ways, but the point to remember is that ALL one can do visually is rough it in. Logically, this means one should choose a method that achieves an approximately correct setting quickly.
IMO this makes the Wally VTA device almost completely useless. It not only puts you to considerable pains, it complete ignores what matters most: the stylus in the groove.
The SRA methods posted multiple times here by Nsgarch and explained in Jon Risch's article in the FAQ's on VA are more accurate because they focuses on just that: the stylus in the groove. If you're really worried about roughing-in accurately (!), this is probably the best method I know. Spend enough time and you'll get quite close to the sweet zone for any particular arm/cartridge combination.
Personally I just make the cartridge "roughly" level by eye and proceed directly to...
STEP 2
Arm height must be fine tuned by ear, whilst listening to music. No visual adjustment will ever replace that.
Therefore, the best (and most enjoyable) use of one's time is to learn what to listen for and how different adjustments sound.
FWIW, when I had a Rega style arm I replaced the spacers with an aftermarket adjuster. Trying to fine tune by ear otherwise would have been an impossible chore.
My $.02, for whatever they're worth!
STEP 1
Rough in the height visually. This can be done in different ways, but the point to remember is that ALL one can do visually is rough it in. Logically, this means one should choose a method that achieves an approximately correct setting quickly.
IMO this makes the Wally VTA device almost completely useless. It not only puts you to considerable pains, it complete ignores what matters most: the stylus in the groove.
The SRA methods posted multiple times here by Nsgarch and explained in Jon Risch's article in the FAQ's on VA are more accurate because they focuses on just that: the stylus in the groove. If you're really worried about roughing-in accurately (!), this is probably the best method I know. Spend enough time and you'll get quite close to the sweet zone for any particular arm/cartridge combination.
Personally I just make the cartridge "roughly" level by eye and proceed directly to...
STEP 2
Arm height must be fine tuned by ear, whilst listening to music. No visual adjustment will ever replace that.
Therefore, the best (and most enjoyable) use of one's time is to learn what to listen for and how different adjustments sound.
FWIW, when I had a Rega style arm I replaced the spacers with an aftermarket adjuster. Trying to fine tune by ear otherwise would have been an impossible chore.
My $.02, for whatever they're worth!