VTA for arm vs VTA for cartridge

Thanks, folks,

Stringreen, and all of you, points well taken. The motivation for taking on this hassle has been as sense that I was not getting the best sound, and apparently missing bass was the main clue. I certainly am listening to everything (checking distortion vs clarity, etc.)

The following URL gave me the sense that it was worth taking a shot at adjusting the VTA. I had tried tweaking the VTF but it didn't seem to help.

http://www.walkeraudio.com/fine_tuning_your_turntable.htm

I've received feedback elsewhere that the "bottom" of my particular cartridge (which is not parallel to the shell) is not good for setting the VTA. It raises the arm significantly and can cause tracking and distortion problems.

Given that, I don't understand why Grado would make that recommendation. The drawing on the instruction sheet that came with the cart actually shows the flat part above the stylus being parallel to the record. That's what I tried to emulate.

Back to the allen wrench!

Based on the feedback so far, it sounds like getting one of those devices that lets you find tune the VTA is not worth the cost and effort.

http://vtaf.com/index.html

- gritingrooves

Sorry, meant to use this URL at the end:

http://vtaf.com/index.html

Follow Lloyd Walker's fine tuning instructions to which you provided the link, Gritingrooves. After getting the arm and cartridge in place as best you can visually, let your ears be your guide in the iterative listening process Lloyd describes and you will get good results. This is the best process for fine tuning a turntable setup I've ever used.
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I contacted Grado, and got the feedback that "cartridge must be parallel to the record". Guess the tone arm requirements are secondary.

So, at least according to the cart maker, that is my starting point.

Yes, agree the cartridge should be your starting point. The angle of the arm is irrelevant in and of itself. This is all about getting the angle of the stylus in the groove set correctly. Here's a good diagram illustrating what you're looking to accomplish.
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