Almarg - Thanks, that is straightforward enough. Yes, your question about my approach identified the big flaw. I did do it without the record rotating, duh. (though it was easy).
I'd also say to dougdeacon that at least one of the reasons to use your eyes is to get it real close, if not spot on. You/me might not know how good or great the playback can be if simply relying on your ears and trial and error to dialing in your system. I will also note that, unlike say amplifiers which are largely plug and play, analog playback and cartridge and arm design assume a very precise geometric relationship between the cantilever and the record surface - which is affected by many significant variables, including overhang, alignment, vtf, vta, effective length, speed stability, etc. To assume you can nail all that with your ears is silly.
I'd also say to dougdeacon that at least one of the reasons to use your eyes is to get it real close, if not spot on. You/me might not know how good or great the playback can be if simply relying on your ears and trial and error to dialing in your system. I will also note that, unlike say amplifiers which are largely plug and play, analog playback and cartridge and arm design assume a very precise geometric relationship between the cantilever and the record surface - which is affected by many significant variables, including overhang, alignment, vtf, vta, effective length, speed stability, etc. To assume you can nail all that with your ears is silly.