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Parallel? How do you set the VTA?

Silly question, but how do you guys determine whether your tonearm is parallel to the record surface? I had my tonearm set up happily for months, but recently started messing around with the cartridge alignment and the VTA, and I'll be damned, but the folded index card method gets me nowhere now. Even with adjustments I keep getting the same visual effect. Happily my ear tells me when the setting is off, but as a base, how do you determine conclusively your tonearm is parallel? For reference, I have a VPI Classic. Thanks.
actusreus
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Jperry,
Thanks! That's what I thought it was.

Doug,
I'm working on it...:) Good advice, as always.
1kitch
19 posts
 
A search for "tonearm spirit level" on ebay will likely provide you with what you are looking for. However, keep in mind that more often than not, a level is not level, and the spirit levels I am referring to on ebay have no means for adjustment except for sanding the bottom edge to true it up, whih I have not yet done on the one I recently received. I have been using woodworking brass gauge blocks with good success, although the card trick works as well.
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
1kitch,

This is precisely what I've been looking for! Thank you very much for this tip.
kiddman
341 posts
 
I always have a business card and credit card, I pull one out and run it vertical, cue down on the inner grooves, look which letter aligns to top of armtube near the headshell, do same at outer grooves, easy way to measure.
heyraz
177 posts
 
The top of the cartridge needs to be parallel to the record surface, not necessarily the tonearm wand.
Fortunately, the top of my cartridge is perpendicular to its' face. I used a small square block of wood (similar to dice) as a square and adjusted the VTA till the front was square to the record surface.
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