VTA - High, Low, Where You go?


Most tonearm dealers recommend a level setting of the arm in relation to an LP. Many audiophiles suggest a level to slightly "butt down" setting (which has been my general experience). I would have interest to hear from those who find that a "Headshell down" setting works best with their rig. If you do, what arm/pickup are you using?
4yanx
Yes, this text is posted on AudioAsylum FAQ section. A very informative section in my estimation & one that all newbies posting here should be referred to.
I learned a lot from that section when I was ready to setup my TT earlier this year.
Twl, great post - Risch's comments should be manditory reading for all, not just newbies. Although I have always referred to SRA as VTA for simplicity as the adjustment mechanism for SRA and VTA is the same, correct SRA with a line stylus is what makes "on the fly" VTA adjustment manditory for folks who want to hear their LP's at their very best, especially those thick audiophile thingies.
Risch's article is great, but don't forget his P.S.:

"... must be getting old! I went over my old notes on SRA single adjust set it and leave it angle, it is 2 degree foward, not 1 degree. The memory ain't what it used to be. Sorry for any inconvenience this may ahve casued anyone. Found the old card I had made up to set up my turntable, yep, 2 degrees.

Jon Risch"
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Even with a maglight and loupe I can't really spot the contact lines on my Shelter stylus. I just fudge it by judging the angle of the stylus in general, which I guess Jon's post allows.

Newbee, when I discuss specs, should I mention the thick audiophile thingies resting on my nose?
Dougdeacon, No need for that but you might warn us if you have those thick non- audiophile amplifiers old folks stick in their ears! :-)
I haven't figured out a way to gauge how much but I'm pretty sure I'm using pos VTA. I started with the "level to the platter" standard and just kept lifting slightly during an afternoon of listening. It seems to me that I raised the pivot up quite a bit, but then I really like to listen for that ringing decay off the cymbals and the click of the pick on the strings. Some might think it a tad bright, but I love the details and still get good deep bass.

Yep, I've read Risch post and TWL's posts many times on this subject. I have learned to do most all adjustments by ear. However, I'll admit that I'd be hard pressed to see the attitude of my stylus with the Hubble!