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

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

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.

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.

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.

Hi Patrick. Good tip about avoiding the raised rim. LP labels are often raised also, so they too must be avoided. Oy!

Of course Risch's use for a lined card is not to square the cartridge body. We don't play music with that so why align it? Risch wants us to adjust the contact line of the stylus itself - 2 degrees forward of vertical. Having a visual reference for such a tiny line must be helpful, as Bob found.

Of course if you insist on using an armboard thats 1/2" too tall you won't be able to align anything! <;-/