Auditioning SME Model 20/3 Turntable

[John49]

Originally Posted by patrick

Anyone use the damping trough on their arm? I’ve never tried, wondering if it is worth a go.

Never used the damping trough on the V, though I believe it does benefit some cartridges.

[427]

I have been using SME arms for a long time and feel they can't be beat. Of course that's just my opinion FWIW. Even their old 3009 works great and so many of them still around in the used market. So when the table needs a S arm that's my go to arm and even have used them on tables that could use a straight arm.

I have never tried a SME deck as I'm a big SOTA fan. So Cody you might as well give them a try also. I'm sure the Star Sapphire will give the SME a run for the money fitted with a Series V arm. But of course that the lowest in the vacuum platter decks @ SOTA, it's all up form there, Nova, Cosmos and Millennia.

At this point I have

1)Star Deck, SME Series V Arm, Sumiko Blackbird Cart

2)Star Deck, SME Series V Arm, Blackbird Cart

3)Star Deck SME 309 Arm, Sumiko EVO III

4)Star Deck SME 3009 Arm, Sumiko Virtuoso Talisman DTi

5) Michell Focus One Deck, SME 3009 Arm, Sumiko Virtuoso Talisman Boron

[metaphacts]

Originally Posted by John49

Never used the damping trough on the V, though I believe it does benefit some cartridges.

The damping trough, used properly, is the last step in the set up process.

[antipop]

Originally Posted by John49

Have had SME arms from 1973 onwards: 3009 S2 Improved, IV and V. Now defected to Durand and awaiting new armwand. Maybe I make big mistake...

Hey John, any news on the Durand ? It seems like it's not an easy arm to setup.

My SME V should arrive any day but it is going straight back for rewiring and full check-up.

[patrick]

Originally Posted by metaphacts

The damping trough, used properly, is the last step in the set up process.

I can believe it but I am not sure I understand it -- can you tell us a little more about how you think it works for most uses? Does it affect arm movement?

[metaphacts]

Originally Posted by patrick

I can believe it but I am not sure I understand it -- can you tell us a little more about how you think it works for most uses? Does it affect arm movement?

First read the instructions that come with the arm. They are very clear on how much fluid should be added and how the pin contacts the fluid.

Then realize that it takes a very long time for the fluid to settle once you have injected it into the trough.

The pin should barely touch the fluid - a wisp between it and the trough is the right amount.

Most put in way too much fluid and have way too much contact from the pin to the fluid. The damping is not to fix what you do not like. It is the last tiny, tiny, tiny step in the optimization of the arm. If the alignment, VTF, VTA, azimuth, and bolt tightness tuning are not yet done, you will not be able to properly assess the effect of the damping.

[patrick]

yes, I have the manual and understand what you are saying, but what I don’t understand is how it impacts the sonics and why?

[metaphacts]

Originally Posted by patrick

yes, I have the manual and understand what you are saying, but what I don’t understand is how it impacts the sonics and why?

Why not try it and listen for yourself?

But again, if the other parameters are not yet fully dialed, any effect will be minimized or even worse, may be misconstrued.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by metaphacts

Why not try it and listen for yourself? But again, if the other parameters are not yet fully dialed, any effect will be minimized or even worse, may be misconstrued.

Bill,
Nice to see you back my friend.
I missed you.

[John49]

Originally Posted by antipop

Hey John, any news on the Durand ? It seems like it's not an easy arm to setup. My SME V should arrive any day but it is going straight back for rewiring and full check-up.

Hi Georges... So, did you not buy a new V? So far as I know, my Durand armwand is in Seattle WA, the rest in London UK!