Test LP's Worth it?

You don't need to drop $299, but do consider spending $110 for a Mint protractor (or similar, except that AFAIK there is nothing similar - Wally Tractors being difficult to get).

The Mint is worth its price. Most owners report audible improvements vs. generic and less precise protractors like the MoFi disk.

This comes from a guy who's comfortable with measuring - I used to spend hours on all that - but who now prefers listening to music (albeit with a highly optimized rig). For nearly any cartridge setup, the Mint and a decent VTF scale are the only measuring devices I use. To me they're indispensable. Everything else measures something I can set better/faster by ear or don't particularly need to know.

I agree with Dougdeacon to get the Mint or Wally Tractor. have both for my arm. There is little to choose between them. Get a lighted magnifier to aid setup.

In addition, I would a decent digital scale to measure tracking force as well as something like the KAB Speedstrobe to set the turntable speed. I would rate these three tools as more important than a test record.

Next, VPI makes an Aluminum Rod that is handy for initial setting of azimuth. Any light straight object can be substituted. Same with Wally VTA Gauge I use to set initial VTA. Mark 1 Eyeball and a index card is a less expensive alternative :)

As for test records, I use three. I have the Cardas one because my Wally Analog Shop uses some test tones from it in setting Azimuth. I use the Hi-Fi News one for general set up, as well as the Telarc Omnidisc.

I finalize setup by adjusting by ear while playing my favorite LP's

I absolutely hate setting up cartridges. The one good thing about it is that once setup is done, it generally sticks. I check everything a couple of times a year just to make sure.

I'll check out these protractors. I already have a digital scale for tracking force. I've heard (don't know if it's true) that each Mint Protractor is set up for a specific table. I have an older Well Tempered Classic table (square motor). I think it's great, but the azimuth settings can be a bit tricky.

The Mint LP Protractor is designed for a specific tone arm i.e. Spindle to pivot distance.

For azimuth, instead of using a metal rod like VPI provides, I use a 6inch length of raw spaghetti. It is nice and straight and light. Once the cartridge head shell is level, adjust azimuth by ear.

Now that I think about it, my Well Tempered Classic came with it's own protractor...