cartridge alignment?

In that case if you feel the sound is either too full or too bright once you get it up and running you can adjust VTA by using thicker/thinner mats.

The mats can be DIY (all mine are) made from wool felt or other fabric, cork, paper with cork or felt rounds (research "spot mat"), et cetera.

If the sound is too bright then a thicker mat is in order (thinner mat if too dull/full).

I adjusted VTA to normal/average stock and simply add a shim mat for super thin import LP's.

ahh, i have heard that before, and sounds like a plan. all ive heard alot about is actually alligning the cart, as far as overhang goes and stuff. what about azmiuth? that i have no clue on how to go about or what its purpose is.

Correct (good/decent-:) Azimuth is when the stylus makes similar/same contact with both sides of the groove.

It's having the center vertical line of the stylus being at a right angle to that of the flat surface of the LP (a T-joint).

Suggest you read through the articles in AA's FAQ section, linked above, as they explain is much better than I can.

However, I will say that when eyeballing this adjustment it's best to key in on the stylus stem/shaft itself, rather than focusing on the cartridge body (as stems are often cockeyed to the body of the cartridge).

The better the adjustments (up to a certain point) the better the sound, but just taking the time to ballpark them will still offer up a very, very high % of the sound quality available from the given gear.

Take your time, BE GENTLE & CAUTIOUS, and have fun with the learning process.

It's a hobby.