Piedpiper's right.
1. Level the TT stand
2. Level the platter top surface
3. Adjust the tonearm mounting so that its bearings are level. This is easier on some arms than others of course.
Levelling the headshell is a good place to start, but whether it should remain level varies with the cartridge. Nearly all cartridges benefit from fine tuning of both azimuth and VTA, which could result in a non-level headshell, depending on the rig.
1. Level the TT stand
2. Level the platter top surface
3. Adjust the tonearm mounting so that its bearings are level. This is easier on some arms than others of course.
Levelling the headshell is a good place to start, but whether it should remain level varies with the cartridge. Nearly all cartridges benefit from fine tuning of both azimuth and VTA, which could result in a non-level headshell, depending on the rig.