SME 309/IV/V arm-boards on SL1200

[gx502]

Just a quick question for any folks using a SME 309/IV/V arm on a SL1200.

Do you experience any VTA issues ? I mean any issues getting the arm low enough so that the arm tube is parallel to the record surface.

The reason why I ask, is that I am contemplating putting a SME-IV arm on my SL1200, but I am worried it may not work.

I have noticed looking at images of SME magnesium arms, with some of the popular carts out there e.g DL30x and AT33, that the arm is always at its lowest position in terms of VTA (and this is where the arm board used is one with a recessed centre section).

I was hoping to use a MN copper arm-board (my deck has the MN bearing, but not the support plate), but since it does not have a recessed central section, I suspect it will not work.

Appreciate the thoughts/answers from folks already using an SME arm on their SL1200's.

Kind thanks in advance

[DSJR]

My advice is to speak to Mike New. if you can afford the SME, the support plate will be peanuts and since it lifts the platter a tad, it can only be a good thing and should make the big SME's more manageable I think.

The only other option may be a solid spacer in the headshell perhaps?


P.S. I've been politely asked to give a shout for SoundHiFi in the UK too, as they've fitted loads of SME arms to Techies and seem to know where they're at with this combination :) I didn't mention them originally because you're in Australia, but I forgot how easy emails can be :doh: :o

[prestonchipfryer]

My SME V uses the Timestep supplied mounting board and with most cartridges there is enough room to make VTA adjustments. But with the MN board, which I believe is a flush fitting, then you may well have a problem with adjusting VTA as the arm will be sit too high.

With the TS board the armrest support will sit on the plinth, as per photo. This is using a Lyra Dorian but is not a problem. However with shallow cartridges a thicker mat or mats may need to be used on the platter. I have also used a Denon 103r with a 3 gram spacer and this still gave room for VTA adjustment. Also tried was an Ortofon 2M Black and again it was not an issue. However using a Rega MM it was impossible to get correct VTA as the cartridge was too shallow.

http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/xx309/prestonchipfryer/sme.jpg

[gx502]

Thanks for the replies so far, kind of confirms my thoughts.

A couple of points: I already possess the SME-IV, the MN support-plate was not really in my plans (not an issue of cost, more that I fear my DIY skills may not be up to the job of fitting it).

If I do go ahead with the SME, I will be using an Ortofon Kontra-B, and may consider a Nagaoka MP-500 further down the line.

[DSJR]

My advice would be for a livelier cartridge - Lyra, Sumiko Blackbird, ZYX, better Dynavectors and I suspect even the Rega Apheta would do well with sympathetic phono stage..

Again, an email to SoundHiFi/Timestep should give you further advice regarding a plate to mount the SME. I also believe there are plates on eBay hailing from Greece, but I have no idea how good they are - sorry....

[prestonchipfryer]

Have a look at these


http://www.mikenewaudio.com/armboard.php



http://www.tonearm.co.uk/technics_sl1200_sl1210_armboard_tonearm_arm.pdf

[worrasf]

I've just ordered one from TimeStep for my newly acquired 3009 II improved. I currently use a TS arm plate for my Jelco 750 and am very pleased with quality of workmanship.

Steve

[Wakefield Turntables]

You will have no issues using a V with a mike new tonearm board, I've had one for about a year and never had any issues.

[CableMaker1]

I had no issues with VTA using a 309 or V with a Timestep armboard on my Techinics before I purchased Mike New's Bearing Base Plate.

[Rare Bird]

SME pattern should just be that regardless what era/model arm. If i'm wrong sorry.

[DSJR]

It's to do with the height, or lack of it on the Techies' platters. With modern headshells, even the SL1500 arm is set too high when using the supplied mat. With a Herbies PLUS the oracle mat, it's spot on and sounds quite ok to me :) The older SL120mk1 was fine as the plinth was slightly deeper I recall and I have a suspicion that the chamfer on the platter itself may have been a little steeper as well, but it's a long time since I saw, let alone used one...

[Pete]

The Mike New armboard is definitely super heavy-duty and all-business.
Coupled with his bearing/plate and platter my SME V has plenty of VTA adjustment.

[JazzBones]

Just a quick question for any folks using a SME 309/IV/V arm on a SL1200.

Do you experience any VTA issues ? I mean any issues getting the arm low enough so that the arm tube is parallel to the record surface.

The reason why I ask, is that I am contemplating putting a SME-IV arm on my SL1200, but I am worried it may not work.

I have noticed looking at images of SME magnesium arms, with some of the popular carts out there e.g DL30x and AT33, that the arm is always at its lowest position in terms of VTA (I was hoping to use a MN copper arm-board (my deck has the MN bearing, but not the support plate), but since it does not have a recessed central section, I suspect it will not work.and this is where the arm board used is one with a recessed centre section).


G'day Rav, I believe that Mike New uses an SMEV arm, and I would imagine with his own copper board, so there shouldn't be a prob mate buy a phonecard and give give him a call.
Ron
PS Recovering from the Rugby World cup beating Oz got from Ireland today :(:(:(

[DSJR]

The SME mounting area is always recessed with these. I suggest you contact Timestep, as Dave does appear to have much experience with these two products and mating them successfully together...

[Wakefield Turntables]

The V has oodles of VTA adjustment, the V will work perfectly well with the MN tonearm board. I've got the baseplate fitted to the MN bearing and I could still put a stack of records under the V. The only problem you will have is with warped records where they may tocuh your tonearm when they are nearly finished playing through. But, if you set the VTA properly then that wont happen.