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VTA setting up.....how do I find level?

I've read advice to "raise the rear of the tonearm .03 inches from level" for best performance of my Lyra Helikon cartridge.

OK, how do you find level? If I place a bubble level on the tonearm it stresses the stylus with the extra weight! (damage potential!?) and bends the arm down, so it's not in the normal playing position.

Then, the numbered barrel on the JMW12.5 arm indicates what? (numbered 0 through 99)

Could someone address this particular step of the setup please?
jbatlanta
jbatlanta OP
97 posts
 
Thank You for these resources.

Lots and lots of reading to do.

John
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
As a start, and if your arm is not tapered, the simplest way to get to "level" is to take a lined index card and place it behind the arm wand as it lays on the record surface. Line up the card's lines with either the top or bottom of the arm wand. That's a starting point, and no it's not precise - just by eye. But it is far better to have that reference point than trying to eyeball it without one. I couldn't believe how far off I was without it.

Enjoy,
Bob
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Good advice from all three posters above. The Jon Risch article referenced by Lugnut (I think the title is actually, "VTA once and for all!") is the best theoretical place to start

Risch recommends a lined guide card just as Bob did.

The approach explained by Rushton is ultimately best. Both VTA and VTF must finally be set by ear, listening to familiar recordings.
reb1208
518 posts
 
You want to level the bottom of the cartridge body with the vinyl by eye as a initial set-up. The armtube is not the place to look first - especially tapered arms.
lugnut
1,190 posts
 
Actually, I have to credit Dougdeacon for pointing me in the direction of the Jon Risch post at AA a month or so ago. I was going to post the recipe card suggestion but since so many of the cartridge bodies are not a true rectangle I decided not to. When using the card make sure that it's up against the cartridge body or very parallel to it. Also, make sure the card is not influenced by the outer hump on the record. Shorten the card to avoid the outer edge.
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