Quote Originally Posted by tin ear
Thanks, guys; I checked -- my tonearm is parallel to the record/platter.

The bottom of the cart. is not, though. If you look at an M97, notice how the mounting tabs are angled rearward. Obviously Shure meant for the cart. to be at a weird angle.

Ol' table sounds pretty good for what it is...
In your case and with most of the better Shure's make sure the mounting plate (top) of the cartridge is parallel with the LP surface. If you can do this while having the tonearm also parallel you have it as good as it gets!