View Full Version : SME V.... should I?
Spectral Morn
01-02-2015, 22:24
tempted...
Depends on the price, if new, no. If S/H yes but again depends on price, age, condition.
Regards Neil
Funny I saw a nice one on the bay earlier Gary at a decent price for a V. and said that would look good on your gorbe.lol ...a lot of pennies though;)
Nah; buy my vinyl instead :lol:
The Barbarian
01-02-2015, 22:36
tempted...
No don't do it, go buy me a Garrard '401' instead.. PM with my addy to follow
:eyebrows:
No don't do it, go buy me a Garrard '401' instead.. PM with my addy to follow
:eyebrows:
Buy me a drink first.... :lol:
The Barbarian
01-02-2015, 23:46
i would but im on the wagon
:D
walpurgis
01-02-2015, 23:59
i would but im on the wagon
:D
Joining you mate! :thumbsup:
(for a while at least)
Stratmangler
02-02-2015, 00:46
John Michell designed the Orbe and the Gyrodec with the SME V in mind.
It was his preferred arm.
tempted...
Don't be silly ... there are better arms out there
John Michell designed the Orbe and the Gyrodec with the SME V in mind.
Of course go for for a V. John uses them, I've seen Kondo use them, heaven knows some AOS personnel use them ...
Floyddroid
02-02-2015, 07:34
I must admit to being fairly underwhelmed by the SME V. More of a statement than an effective device i have often thought. I once fitted one to a Nottingham Analogue and a Gyrodeck and it just wasn't a significant improvement of the arms i replaced it with. I listened to the now much sought after 1210/SME V combo and thought it sounded ok until i recently heard Marco's with his Jelco on board. A difficult call Gary. The V is a highly respected design and if it is a really good price shouldn't be sniffed at. I honestly think (like the Ittok) it's over priced to start with.
Cheers.
Thinking of the V as an possible upgrade later on, having heard that the Michell/SME V was one of "those" combinations that just work together superbly?
More of a mixed bag than I thought...Hmnn.
Thinking of the V as an possible upgrade later on, having heard that the Michell/SME V was one of "those" combinations that just work together superbly?
Yes, for that very reason - and if you do, enjoy! :)
However, it’s not a tonearm I’d recommend with great enthusiasm in any other context, as IMO, better (sonically) can be had for rather less money.
Marco.
Beobloke
02-02-2015, 09:25
Cheers.
Thinking of the V as an possible upgrade later on, having heard that the Michell/SME V was one of "those" combinations that just work together superbly?
.
It is. Although the arm you have is very good, the V will better it fairly easily IMHO.
Clive197
02-02-2015, 10:29
All well made arms have different tonal characteristics, much the same with cartridges. We either love them or hate them. We purchase an arm mainly for aesthetic reasons as well as price (believing that the more it costs the better it must be). We all have tales about how our inexpensive piece of kit outperforms an expensive item and the debate will always rage.
To the OP, if the SME V arm ticks all your boxes than go for it and enjoy.
Gordon Steadman
02-02-2015, 10:40
All well made arms have different tonal characteristics, much the same with cartridges. We either love them or hate them. We purchase an arm mainly for aesthetic reasons as well as price (believing that the more it costs the better it must be). We all have tales about how our inexpensive piece of kit outperforms an expensive item and the debate will always rage.
To the OP, if the SME V arm ticks all your boxes than go for it and enjoy.
Exactly so.
If they measure the same though, won't they sound the same?:D
We purchase an arm mainly for aesthetic reasons as well as price (believing that the more it costs the better it must be).
Lol - speak for yourself, Clive!
I purchase an arm very much because I consider it will work well in the context I’m using it in, and compliment the partnering cartridge, sonically. Aesthetics, although of importance to a degree, are very much secondary to performance.
Price, of course, is always a consideration, but only in terms of setting a maximum budget I’m willing to spend for the item in question. However, if something suitably interesting crops up, then I’m usually willing to exceed that budget.
I believe in obtaining maximum ‘bang for my buck’ at all times in hi-fi, and enjoy unearthing ‘giant-killers’. The premise that the more one spends, the better one gets, can sometimes prove right, but just as often, IME (where high-end audio is concerned), it can be a fallacy, and so I’m rather sceptical of applying that mindset to my system-building methodology.
Marco.
The Barbarian
02-02-2015, 11:25
John Michell designed the Orbe and the Gyrodec with the SME V in mind.
It was his preferred arm.
I have a very early J.A Michell 'Gyrodec' sales Brochure {Well just a single textured sheet} Without looking i seem to remember The arm fitted was a Zeta with Goldbug cart!
John Michell designed the Orbe and the Gyrodec with the SME V in mind.
It was his preferred arm.
Indeed; which shows what can be achieved with ‘voicing’, when a designer judiciously applies such to his or her designs ;)
Marco.
Beobloke
02-02-2015, 11:37
I have a very early J.A Michell 'Gyrodec' sales Brochure {Well just a single textured sheet} Without looking i seem to remember The arm fitted was a Zeta with Goldbug cart!
Indeed - the Gyrodec pre-dated the SME V by a number of years. AFAIK it was the Orbe that was designed with the V in mind.
Just to say...
"reassuringly expensive" isn't where I'm coming from. :)
Best bang for buck is where I usually come from too.
But...
Ideally I'm looking to step off the upgrade ladder and say "its done", so some changes to my system coming up.
Been bitten by the vinyl bug and looking to maximise that.
How the thing looks, pride of ownership etc is a part of the appeal for me too.
In that sense nothing else ticks the box as well as the V.
Will try to hear one for myself of course, but from what I've read the "neutral" sounding nature of it appeals to me?
Will see how I get on over the next couple of Months, look at the options out there.
The PU7 is meant to be very good, heard one over at Audio Origami in Glasgow...nice.
Wee bit less industrial looking than the SME though :lol:
Mmmm, yes but no nut yes nut no but yes.. :D
I have used SME V for almost a decade and I'm very happy for its sonic performance and especially its build quality. I know there are soundwise perhaps better arms out there for the same or lower price but for the that is not all there is as I love items that are engineered perfectly, build to last and cause no hazzle when using them time after time. SME V definitely falls to this category of tonearms being pretty solid performer in every way, and in many systems(TTs and carts). Few years back one of my friends sent his SME V to the factory for its first service after 26 years of use and the tonearm was serviced and sent back with detailed report of the condition and performance. SME V still remains my marker for the quality.
Bottom line - if you want SME V for whatever reason, buy one. I did and I think you won't regret it. However, if you want the absolutely best sounding tonearm, then you must really do your homework with your system including the research for the synergies for the used cart etc. You might get sonically better result, otherwise I don't really know.. :eyebrows:
Wakefield Turntables
02-02-2015, 13:23
I've had my V for over ten years and it has seen off six turntables and J7 has fettled, serviced and rewired the arm. It has performed faultlessly everyday for each of those ten years. I think it's the best hifi purchase I ever made. I would buy one if you can afford one. It works extremely well with michell decks and works extremely well with 1210's :eyebrows:.
I have used SME V for almost a decade and I'm very happy for its sonic performance and especially its build quality. I know there are soundwise perhaps better arms out there for the same or lower price but for the that is not all there is as I love items that are engineered perfectly, build to last and cause no hazzle when using them time after time. SME V definitely falls to this category of tonearms being pretty solid performer in every way, and in many systems(TTs and carts).
Indeed. The SME V certainly performs well, is beautifully built, to an exacting standard, and dependable and reliable to a fault: a veritable ‘Lexus’ of the hi-fi world. Thing is, which would you rather drive: a Lexus or a Porsche...? ;)
I’m in the latter camp, as I like something liable to stimulate and engage my senses!
Bottom line - if you want SME V for whatever reason, buy one. I did and I think you won't regret it. However, if you want the absolutely best sounding tonearm, then you must really do your homework with your system including the research for the synergies for the used cart etc. You might get sonically better result, otherwise...
Spot on [and undoubtedly you can]. However, in the context of a Michell T/T (if you like that type of sound), the V is somewhat of a no-brainer :)
Marco.
There is so much choice out there, it's difficult to make a decision.
It may look nice, but you need to buy it with your ears more than your eyes. If it sounds as good as it looks, it's a no brainer to me, however it's a lot of spondoolies to drop on an arm, when there are potentially arms offering most of the performance for a much lower price.
The PU7 gets really good reviews, and knowing what J7 can do with a bog standard RB250, I would imagine that a full AO arm would be quite spectacular. Having said that, if it's a V that you really want at the moment, that is not likely to change, is it?
The PU7 gets really good reviews, and knowing what J7 can do with a bog standard RB250, I would imagine that a full AO arm would be quite spectacular.
Now there's a good shout... That one is definitely from the ‘Porsche’ school of music-making!!
Sometimes it pays to think ‘outside of the box’, as opposed to rather unimaginatively going for the ’safe’ option……. ;)
Marco.
Heard the PU7 over at Johnnie's place, sounded great into his Yahama 1000's.
I'll look at options over next couple of months.
Thanks all for the input.
(To save Pinky a job) don't forget that the new Funk Firm arm will be available soon. :eyebrows:
That should also sound rather nice, but I have no idea of how much it will cost.
No worries, Gaz. You know what they say: ‘life’s too short for boring hi-fi’…. ;)
Marco.
(To save Pinky a job) don't forget that the new Funk Firm arm will be available soon. :eyebrows:
That should also sound rather nice, but I have no idea of how much it will cost.
Lol - I was actually thinking that myself!
I would love folk to buy more gear from smaller, ’specialist’ bespoke-type manufacturers, such as Audio Origami and The Funk Firm (amongst others), as the sonic and musical rewards of doing so can often be substantial…..
AoS does its best to promote such sensible ‘left-field’ thinking, and dilute the rather unimaginative ‘mainstream mentality’, seemingly automatically etched into people’s brains.
Marco.
Buy the V secondhand and if you don't like it you'll get your money back on it. For a 'Kit Car' option try the Hadcock GH242, I used one on my GyroSE Orbe after the 309 and thought it one of the best combinations going...pity it's such a PITA to setup and even more to use LOL! It also works brilliantly with a Lenco and I still have mine mounted with my G99...
Ali Tait
02-02-2015, 17:57
Like to hear the Funk arm. Gaz, consider the Trans Fi Terminator.
The terminator really intrigues me, and I would love a 2nd deck set up with one. Out of interest, how noisy is the air pump, and how close do you need to have it to the deck?
Ali Tait
02-02-2015, 18:50
It's a fish tank pump, so isn't totally silent. You can have it well away from the arm though, so could be tucked away in a cupboard.
I don't have any cupboards in my man cave.
I could build a reasonably sound proof cabinet in the room next door, and poke a pipe through a wall though.
Ali Tait
02-02-2015, 19:07
Aye, that's what I'd do if I got one.
Not a big fan of parallel-tracking arms, but the Terminator is the best I’ve heard of the breed :)
Marco.
Surely they negate distortion caused by the sweep of a traditional arm?
Ali Tait
02-02-2015, 19:16
Well it's the way records are cut, seems to make sense to play them the same way..
Well it's the way records are cut, seems to make sense to play them the same way..
True - but that's not to say they don't have drawbacks of their own.
Well it's the way records are cut, seems to make sense to play them the same way..
Yup, but that doesn’t stop them having a distinct ‘sonic signature’ of their own (as does everything) - and not one I’m particularly a fan of…..
Marco.
Yup, but that doesn’t stop them having a distinct ‘sonic signature’ of their own (as does ALMOST everything) - and not one I’m particularly a fan of…..
Marco.
Fixed it for you :ner:
I am sure everything does have a sonic signature, but some kit will have much less.
Indeed, but a parallel-tracking arm isn’t one of them! :ner:
IME, they have a rather defined sound of their own.
Marco.
I have not heard one, so I will take your word for it until the opportunity arises.
talisman2
02-02-2015, 19:56
aw go on go on !! it's only money (and you will only waste it on drink)
I have not heard one, so I will take your word for it until the opportunity arises.
They can be very good sometimes, but it largely depends on how you listen to and ‘connect’ with music…
I’m a soulful/rhythmic/bass heft/boogie freak, and parallel-tracking arms tend to be rather ‘controlled’ and ‘matter-of-fact’/sober sounding, to my ears, not to mention usually somewhat lightweight in the lower registers and lacking in authority and ‘balls', compared with the tonearms I favour. Of course, that is also cartridge-dependent.
Generally, if a nice and ‘sparkly’, sweet, ‘high-resolution’, ‘airy-fairy’, spacious sound is your bag, then you’ll love parallel-tracking arms. They tend to appeal to people who listen to music with their heads, rather than their hearts, as it were. I prefer something that ‘drives’ music along with purposeful weight and authority/rhythmic alacrity, and makes music fun to listen to (and indeed also prefer cartridges with that type of sound).
As usual, however, you pays yer money and takes yer choice…. Nothing is perfect! :)
Marco.
Like to hear the Funk arm. Gaz, consider the Trans Fi Terminator.
Funk firms an option.
Trans Fi...no. Hellish looking thing Ali! :lol:
Ali Tait
02-02-2015, 21:46
What it sounds like that matters. :-)
Floyddroid
03-02-2015, 06:03
Some of the best girls to date are unrefined, fun and have you wanting more. Yes, the SME is refined and is without doubt iconic. If it's what you want then roll with it. As said above you will always get yer money back if you happen not to like it.
Indeed, but a parallel-tracking arm isn’t one of them! :ner:
IME, they have a rather defined sound of their own.
Marco.
Every single gear has their own sonic signature. Which one suites your preference the best is then other issue.
And why settle to one when you can date both when it comes to TTs and other stuff :D *don't tell Mrs. I said that* :mental:
Some of the best girls to date are unrefined, fun and had toy anting more. Yes, the SME is refined and is without doubt iconic. If it's what you want the roll with it. As said above you will always get yer money back.
Yeah, for shurez… :cool:
Marco.
One other thing… Compare the bass of an SME V (something it excels at) against any parallel-tracking arm you care to mention, and you’ll hear exactly what I mean about the latter…. ;)
Marco.
Indeed. And you know why I like my Garrard/SME V combination, don't you :)
Mika,
would you say the SME V is a clinical sounding arm?
No emotion, boogie etc in its sound?
Mika,
would you say the SME V is a clinical sounding arm?
No emotion, boogie etc in its sound?
No way! ln both my systems and in my opinion my Gyro/SME V/ART Q Damper/ Denon DL103 rocks like a demon.
Ali Tait
03-02-2015, 18:54
Just buy it mate. If you don't, you'll always be thinking what if..
Mika,
would you say the SME V is a clinical sounding arm?
No emotion, boogie etc in its sound?
There’s a difference between clinical and ‘safe’ sounding, though…. ;)
Also, these things are all relative. Again it comes down to one’s available benchmark…
If you’re used to eating tomatoes from a supermarket, and to you they taste perfectly tomato-ey, and then someone who grows his own tomatoes compares those with the supermarket variety, claiming that, in comparison, the latter taste ‘watery’, would that alter your view of how tomato-ey the supermarket ones taste, until you sample the home-grown ones for yourself? ;)
Anyway, you’ve got a Michell T/T, so different rules apply… Therefore, just buy a V - and enjoy! :exactly:
Marco.
Mika,
would you say the SME V is a clinical sounding arm?
No emotion, boogie etc in its sound?
Not by any means as I think it also delivers in those areas amongs the best of them. What it lacks is perhaps some of the agility/airiness/finesse found from certain unipivots, parallel trackers and more sophisticated designs. However those again have some weaknesses I consider to be far bigger issues, so.. :D
Buy the V secondhand and if you don't like it you'll get your money back on it. For a 'Kit Car' option try the Hadcock GH242, I used one on my GyroSE Orbe after the 309 and thought it one of the best combinations going...pity it's such a PITA to setup and even more to use LOL! It also works brilliantly with a Lenco and I still have mine mounted with my G99...
Great shout Neal, cheers!
Not by any means as I think it also delivers in those areas amongs the best of them. What it lacks is perhaps some of the agility/airiness/finesse found from certain unipivots, parallel trackers and more sophisticated designs. However those again have some weaknesses I consider to be far bigger issues, so.. :D
Good to know Mika, thanks.
RobbieGong
03-02-2015, 21:42
If you've a hankering for the V and can afford it then go on and scratch the itch. It looks great / quality and is very well engineered. You can also tell it most certainly wont suffer with issues of resonance or colouration I think it will portray the music fairly honestly and put a big smile on your face allowing any decent cart to show what it can do - Enjoy !! :)
Having owned too many series Fives over the years (don't ask!) I would say...go for it. IMO most of the comments about sound quality are close to meaningless, what you hear depends on the deck and cartridge as much as anything....the quality of the armboard is a key factor. For instance, compare the bass of a V on a PT Anniversary with the bass on (say) a 301. The arm 'reads' what it is bolted to, and pumps loads of energy into the deck. Synergy is all. The 'sound' of the arm varies with how you use it.
Be really careful when buying second-hand. These arms came out over 25 years ago, and some of the ones for sale are very old and in poor condition. The market is full of people looking for the cheapest samples, so the poor stuff 'bunches' at bottom price, which becomes too high relative to better samples. I will give the example I gave before.... a really old arm, In need of a full service, will maybe cost £1100. An arm just a few years old, in fine condition, will cost around £1800. The dearer arm is far better value. For those who have the money, the best deal is probably to buy a new arm with discount, and keep it the rest of your life. That's what I do these days. Less long-term hassle.
One other point, depending on your deck and cartridge (again!) the less expensive SME arms can be really great; sometimes they suit the system rather better, and they cost a lot less.
Best 'vfm' SME arms? I would vote for the M2-10 and the wonderful M2-12. Its about system matching rather than absolutes. In fact, I prefer the M2-12 to the V5 in most systems. 312s is a cracker too, and the detachable headshell is useful. Like many things in this hobby, you need to do the research and be cautious of 'received opinion'. Including mine, I suppose.
krugdoktor
07-02-2015, 12:41
k
Having owned too many series Fives over the years (don't ask!) I would say...go for it. IMO most of the comments about sound quality are close to meaningless, what you hear depends on the deck and cartridge as much as anything....the quality of the armboard is a key factor. For instance, compare the bass of a V on a PT Anniversary with the bass on (say) a 301. The arm 'reads' what it is bolted to, and pumps loads of energy into the deck. Synergy is all. The 'sound' of the arm varies with how you use it.
Be really careful when buying second-hand. These arms came out over 25 years ago, and some of the ones for sale are very old and in poor condition. The market is full of people looking for the cheapest samples, so the poor stuff 'bunches' at bottom price, which becomes too high relative to better samples. I will give the example I gave before.... a really old arm, In need of a full service, will maybe cost £1100. An arm just a few years old, in fine condition, will cost around £1800. The dearer arm is far better value. For those who have the money, the best deal is probably to buy a new arm with discount, and keep it the rest of your life. That's what I do these days. Less long-term hassle.
One other point, depending on your deck and cartridge (again!) the less expensive SME arms can be really great; sometimes they suit the system rather better, and they cost a lot less.
Best 'vfm' SME arms? I would vote for the M2-10 and the wonderful M2-12. Its about system matching rather than absolutes. In fact, I prefer the M2-12 to the V5 in most systems. 312s is a cracker too, and the detachable headshell is useful. Like many things in this hobby, you need to do the research and be cautious of 'received opinion'. Including mine, I suppose.
+1 for the above.
My current arm is a M 2-9r which replaced a V because I wanted to change cartridges and the detachable headshell is a godsend! Much to my delight and amazement the M2-9r sounds absolutely great! Did not miss the V a bit, especially as I'm using an SPU right now and getting the best analog replay since ever!
I had a good few extended listens to a PU7/Transfig. Phoenix on a Systemdek 3D Signature.
Chanced into the store one day a guy was auditioning the same table/cartridge with a V.
OK the systems were very different, but even from the next room, I had to ask the dealer if the turntable was broken?
Sounded like hi-fi not music is the best way I can put it.
Shocked me I have to say.
I had a good few extended listens to a PU7/Transfig. Phoenix on a Systemdek 3D Signature.
Chanced into the store one day a guy was auditioning the same table/cartridge with a V.
OK the systems were very different, but even from the next room, I had to ask the dealer if the turntable was broken?
Sounded like hi-fi not music is the best way I can put it.
Shocked me I have to say.
Do you mean it sounded hifi with the V in place?
Spectral Morn
13-02-2015, 11:34
I had a good few extended listens to a PU7/Transfig. Phoenix on a Systemdek 3D Signature.
Chanced into the store one day a guy was auditioning the same table/cartridge with a V.
OK the systems were very different, but even from the next room, I had to ask the dealer if the turntable was broken?
Sounded like hi-fi not music is the best way I can put it.
Shocked me I have to say.
Was it the same amp, speakers and cabling? If not one really can't say it was the V responsible imho
Regards Neil
walpurgis
13-02-2015, 11:37
Do you mean it sounded hifi with the V in place?
That would be dreadful. A Hi-Fi sounding like a Hi-Fi. :eyebrows:
wish my hifi sounded like a hifi:eyebrows:
prestonchipfryer
13-02-2015, 11:58
My hi-fi used to sound hi-fi but when I bought a V it still sounded hi-fi - but more so. FMA. ;)
Was it the same amp, speakers and cabling? If not one really can't say it was the V responsible imho
Undoubtedly, it's a beautifully built thing, and if prizes were being handed out for the most nicely engineered currently available tonearm, the V (and the rest of its brethren) would be right up there as possible winners.
However, as I've said before, there's more to making a tonearm excel as a 'music-maker' than simply outstanding engineering alone... Some lateral thinking is also required, and the addressing of issues, fundamentally important to achieving that goal, than simply what might appear as 'obvious' from an engineering perspective.
One only has to look at some of the more innovative/radical tonearm designs out there, some of which sound outstanding, to realise that fact.
As such, the V remains as simply a 'safe' choice for those who are seduced by its looks (and 'feel', or the heritage of SME and the company's 'quintessentially British charm'), coupled with a desire for decent sound, as opposed to one that ekes out every ounce of music from their record collection.
Marco.
walpurgis
13-02-2015, 12:00
My hi-fi used to sound hi-fi but when I bought a V it still sounded hi-fi - but more so. FMA. ;)
I didn't know one could quantify Hi-Fi. :)
prestonchipfryer
13-02-2015, 12:14
I didn't know one could quantify Hi-Fi. :)
:) Who mentioned measurement? I didn't.
I find it a bit odd to see claims of the SME being 'safe', as if that is a criticism. It is properly designed and engineered, in a way few of the expensive competitors are; believe me, I have owned quite a few of them. They tend to have glaring faults when you get to know them...a simple example is the way vta adjustment is often offered by pinning the central superstructure to the mount with a little screw. Compare and contrast with the fully engineered clamp offered, indeed invented, by SME. It matters.
As for cult items like the Fidelity Research arms; as has been explained, they are 30 years old. Precision instruments do deteriorate, especially when they have been through quite a few owners. Which is why the SME service dept is such a blessing. I suppose that's 'safe.'
In the end, people tend to choose with their pockets; and if they can afford a good sample of the SME they are probably wise to do so. Which is why the SME factory, despite price rises, is back-ordered for months.
Incidentally, I agree there are some other fine arms. Rega are the obvious example, another company with high standards and high service. Great value too.
Yes, but no offence, Peter, you're somewhat of an 'SME fanboy', and so in your eyes (and probably ears, too), the company or its products can do no wrong... If that's untrue, then it's simply how you come across ;)
I've heard plenty of FR-64s which, despite their age (with the right cartridge), blow an SME V into the weeds. The latter is a decent arm, sonically, but experience tells me that better can be had (sonically) - and often for rather less money.
At the end of the day, the V is a conservative choice of tonearm for reasonably well-heeled enthusiasts, who seek a quality hassle-free purchase, but aren't necessary looking for the 'ultimate', and thus is 'safe', much in the same way as a Lexus is 'safe', in comparison with a Porsche. It rather reminds me of the old adage of a chap asking the Bentley salesman about the car's performance/BHP, and being informed that it's 'adequate'...
That, for me, pretty much sums up the SME V, and in general the type of customer it attracts.
I don't do 'safe' or 'adequate', as I like to push boundaries, seeking out the different and unusual (often by following the least well-trodden paths), and 'going the extra mile' to achieve my goals, not only in audio, but in most other aspects of my life.
However, each to his or her own. Woteva floats ya boat, baby! :)
Marco.
prestonchipfryer
13-02-2015, 13:26
I have a SME M2-9 sat in it's box. Am thinking of trying it in place of the V. Has anyone any thoughts on this idea please.
My advice would be to do it, John - the results (in some aspects) may surprise you...! ;)
What cartridge are you using?
Marco.
prestonchipfryer
13-02-2015, 13:49
My advice would be to do it, John - the results (in some aspects) may surprise you...! ;)
What cartridge are you using?
Marco.
A Denon 103r Marco. I have used the M2 but not since new bearing/platter/psu and Nagaoka glass mat. As I have the original TS armboard will I need to take the Tecchy apart to remove it or just release the three screws that are in the captive nuts?
A Denon 103r Marco. I have used the M2 but not since new bearing/platter/psu and Nagaoka glass mat. As I have the original TS armboard will I need to take the Tecchy apart to remove it or just release the three screws that are in the captive nuts?
From what I remember, dude. I think it's a dismantling job...
If you do it, let us know what you think, as there should be a significant change in sonic signature, not least of which will be due to the removal of the 'overdamping effect', caused by the magnesium armtube and headshell, of the V you're currently using.
The M2-9 (especially with a DL-103R) should sound 'fresher', livelier, more 'vital' and 'funky' (if not quite as 'finessed' or weighty as the V), but you will have to bolster the the M2's headshell with more mass, in order to accommodate the 103s low-compliance requirements.
Marco.
prestonchipfryer
13-02-2015, 15:24
Thanks for that Marco. I will be changing arms when I have some time to spare and will share my thoughts.
No worries, John. Aim for 10g of added mass to the headshell, and you should be about spot on. Look forward to reading your observations! :)
Marco.
Look forward to reading your observations!
+1
prestonchipfryer
15-02-2015, 09:25
Okay, spent yesterday afternoon, into early evening, swapping out the V for the M2-9. What an education, as this is the first time I've taken off/fitted any arm for many years :lol: Marco the swap was like for like and didn't need a strip down of the table as was first thought.
Before I begin listening I will need to some new headshell cartridge leads. I bought some (new) from a member on this forum but cannot remember :doh: who it was.
Will follow-up ASAP.
John
Good to know that it was a simpler job than I thought, John. Looking forward to finding out what you think about the difference in sonic/musical presentation between both arms. There should be plusses and minuses :)
Marco.
For those new to AOS that stumbled across this thread...I bought a V. :)
Clive197
16-06-2016, 09:53
For those new to AOS that stumbled across this thread...I bought a V. :)
And...........?
Not fitted yet, will update on my gallery thread when its done.
Plan is to get it rewired, but tempted to just stick it on "as is" and do the rewire later.
Seems a shame it sitting in its box in a cupboard.
Get yer arse in gear then, daftee ;)
Marco.
Wakefield Turntables
16-06-2016, 10:34
I forgot to mail you back, promise I will :D. I'll throw a PM your way tonight.
I forgot to mail you back, promise I will :D. I'll throw a PM your way tonight.
Heh...
No bother Andrew, thanks. :)
Get yer arse in gear then, daftee ;)
Marco.
Ordering the SME armboard for my deck tommorow, should come early next week then I'm on the case.
I'll do my version of setting the arm up in the meantime (wont be a million miles off and will be fun to try it) but take it in to J7 for an internal rewire and final fettle/setup when funds allow.
As you said your first time at mine Marco, you need to be able to do these things yourself! ;)
Wakefield Turntables
16-06-2016, 11:31
Ordering the SME armboard for my deck tommorow, should come early next week then I'm on the case.
I'll do my version of setting the arm up in the meantime (wont be a million miles off and will be fun to try it) but take it in to J7 for an internal rewire and final fettle/setup when funds allow.
As you said your first time at mine Marco, you need to be able to do these things yourself! ;)
which arm board are you ordering a. The V responds well to ebony.
I have a Michell deck, so best use the Michell one I think.
Think the arm weight/armboard is worked out to balance the suspension in the deck, so need to stick with that one I reckon?
My current Technoarm is a Rega fitting so cant reuse that...dammit!
Wakefield Turntables
16-06-2016, 11:46
I have a Michell deck, so best use the Michell one I think.
Think the arm weight/armboard is worked out to balance the suspension in the deck, so need to stick with that one I reckon?
My current Technoarm is a Rega fitting so cant reuse that...dammit!
You ever considered using external arm pod? Are you flogging the technoarm?
You ever considered using external arm pod? Are you flogging the technoarm?
External arm pod would mess with the Michell "feng shui" so not going there :)
Technoarm will be up for sale yeah, its been silver rewired by Audio Origami so its a good 'un.
Know anyone that needs a black Rega armboard for a Michell deck?
337alant
16-06-2016, 15:39
Gaz
I have an SME armboard for a Gyro, yours for £25 if you want it
Alan
Gaz
I have an SME armboard for a Gyro, yours for £25 if you want it
Alan
Great stuff Alan, thanks.
Is it a black one?
Ordering the SME armboard for my deck tommorow, should come early next week then I'm on the case.
I'll do my version of setting the arm up in the meantime (wont be a million miles off and will be fun to try it) but take it in to J7 for an internal rewire and final fettle/setup when funds allow.
As you said your first time at mine Marco, you need to be able to do these things yourself! ;)
Lol - no worries, mate. I think you'll love it, as it's such a good match sonically with the Gyro. One to fit and forget (once Johnny's breathed on it), and just enjoy the choonz! :cool:
Marco.
337alant
16-06-2016, 17:18
Great stuff Alan, thanks.
Is it a black one?
Ah no sorry Gaz its Silver
Alan
Ah no sorry Gaz its Silver
Alan
Ah well thanks anyway Alan, appreciate the thought.
"The Beast" needs to be all black though...:D
Lol - no worries, mate. I think you'll love it, as it's such a good match sonically with the Gyro. One to fit and forget (once Johnny's breathed on it), and just enjoy the choonz! :cool:
Marco.
Always. :)
Ali Tait
16-06-2016, 18:04
Am off to Glasto next week Gaz, but am off the following week too, could come over and fit the arm for you?
That'd be great mate, you did a man's job of fettling the Technoarm last time.
I might be working though (new job :)) so mibbay see nearer the time?
Am off to Glasto next week Gaz, but am off the following week too, could come over and fit the arm for you?
Ali Tait
16-06-2016, 18:07
Aye no bother, can bring the Dr Feickert too.
Good news on the job front mate.
Aye no bother, can bring the Dr Feickert too.
Good news on the job front mate.
Cool.
Thanks Ali (and thanks)
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