View Full Version : In praise of the sme v (chapter two)
talisman2
14-07-2015, 08:19
In my thread ‘in praise of the sme v’ I did not mean to infer that the ‘v’ was the best arm in the world , I was only pointing out that it was an excellent arm and a fantastic piece of engineering (as are all sme arms) , but I had to defend the ‘V’ against the opinion that it was (and I quote) “ more a statement than an effective device” , and although (I repeat) that I respect the members opinion , I cannot figure out how he came to that opinion ??
I did not realise that it would stir up ‘such a can of worms’ when I posted my original thread but I am pleased by the response and the large number of replies (my best yet !!!!) .
As regards the best tonearm in the world ?? , surely that is the flat one that was mounted on the NAD 5120 turntable ?? (men in white coats at the ready
+1
there will always be those with agendas Alf yet the "V" remains one of the most enduring of tonearm designs and also remains one of the better ones imho. It has been improved over the years (as has the 309 and IV) with better castings (stiffer and more neutral), and improved bearings too, so remains high in todays rankings as a piece of engineering that works well. Nothing has moved the game on significantly with the exception perhaps of some of the better linear air arms. As for wiring, the VDH stuff is much like any other wiring (silver plated OFC with a shield for each conductor) so whose brand is on the front matters less I guess than the materials and geometry. Internal arm wiring has been improved over the years though.
Marco's VFM point is relevant. There may be better alternatives VFM knocking about today but few will be better (or as well) engineered imho, and the price probably reflects this. I have used the 309 for a fair few years and have no immediate wish to spend more. Part of this relates to the compromises which all vinyl replay systems are. they are not so much as strong as the weakest link but as strong as the sum of all the parts in relation to introduced distortion. For me, the deck is possibly the easiest to get right at reasonable outlay, with the cart making the single biggest sonic difference, all else being equal. I learnt a long time ago simply to pick an arm which will do justice to a good cart, and the SME can do this with the best of carts even today...as will many more at or at half the cost. As cost wasn't part of your initial consideration, I saw nothing wrong with what you posted first time round.
talisman2
14-07-2015, 10:41
thanks for your informed comments paul , i don't even own a SME arm , but i thought i had to defend the 'V' (did you like my little skit at the end ??)
Spectral Morn
14-07-2015, 10:56
+1
there will always be those with agendas Alf yet the "V" remains one of the most enduring of tonearm designs and also remains one of the better ones imho. It has been improved over the years (as has the 309 and IV) with better castings (stiffer and more neutral), and improved bearings too, so remains high in todays rankings as a piece of engineering that works well. Nothing has moved the game on significantly with the exception perhaps of some of the better linear air arms. As for wiring, the VDH stuff is much like any other wiring (silver plated OFC with a shield for each conductor) so whose brand is on the front matters less I guess than the materials and geometry. Internal arm wiring has been improved over the years though.
Marco's VFM point is relevant. There may be better alternatives VFM knocking about today but few will be better (or as well) engineered imho, and the price probably reflects this. I have used the 309 for a fair few years and have no immediate wish to spend more. Part of this relates to the compromises which all vinyl replay systems are. they are not so much as strong as the weakest link but as strong as the sum of all the parts in relation to introduced distortion. For me, the deck is possibly the easiest to get right at reasonable outlay, with the cart making the single biggest sonic difference, all else being equal. I learnt a long time ago simply to pick an arm which will do justice to a good cart, and the SME can do this with the best of carts even today...as will many more at or at half the cost. As cost wasn't part of your initial consideration, I saw nothing wrong with what you posted first time round.
We will have to disagree Paul, VDH cable has a voice, a sound and its one many don't like and I include myself in that group.
Some feel the issues relating to their dissatisfaction come from the magnesium now used. I can't be sure but I have heard a 309 as is now, compared to an early 309 (my own bought just after the 309 came to market) and I preferred the early one. Was this because its not magnesium or because its not VDH wired (unlike the current one) I am not sure. My gut feeling is its the VDH cable but unless I can compare similar arms wired differently, say with Audio Note silver, Cardas or Sumiko's choice of cable I can't say definitively. Even if I did I suppose I would also need an SME5 in non magnesium to listen to and to my knowledge such a beast has never existed. So its a question that will have to go unanswered.
What I can say - for myself - is that using the VDH output cable severely damages the overall performance so replacing that is a no brainer in my opinion. When the 309 was used on my Oracle Delphi I used a junction box with Audio Note ANV (massive upgrade on the VDH cable) and same on the 5 until I got a spare Graham IC70 cable.
Anyway those are my thoughts, experiences.
Regards Neil
Spectral Morn
14-07-2015, 11:19
Marco's VFM point is relevant. There may be better alternatives VFM knocking about today but few will be better (or as well) engineered imho, and the price probably reflects this. I have used the 309 for a fair few years and have no immediate wish to spend more. Part of this relates to the compromises which all vinyl replay systems are. they are not so much as strong as the weakest link but as strong as the sum of all the parts in relation to introduced distortion. For me, the deck is possibly the easiest to get right at reasonable outlay, with the cart making the single biggest sonic difference, all else being equal. I learnt a long time ago simply to pick an arm which will do justice to a good cart, and the SME can do this with the best of carts even today...as will many more at or at half the cost. As cost wasn't part of your initial consideration, I saw nothing wrong with what you posted first time round.
Re FVM this may not be as clear cut, it may be a case of synergy lacking, mismatched cart to arm, cart arm to TT or just arm to TT.
I mentioned earlier my failed matching of that SME 309 to a Voyd Valdi, it sounded awful, flat, unmusical. The Rega 300 which had been on it with the same cart a VDH MC10 sounded fabulous. This wasn't a case of bad matching with the SME 309 as the same MC10 sounded fabulous on the 309 but on the Oracle Delphi - a turntable that works well with SME arms.
So was the cheaper Rega 300 better than the SME309 ? No, it just worked better on the Valdi than the 309 had. I suspect in some cases folks not rating items dearer than others could simply be down to cheaper items gelling better and nothing more than that.
System matching and in particular the mechanical matching of turntables to arms and carts, is an art, and just sticking any old arm with any cart on any turntable, regardless of the cost, pedigree of the individual items does not guarantee anything. That experience with the Valdi taught me that, a valuable lesson.
Regards Neil
Wakefield Turntables
14-07-2015, 11:21
I couldn't get on with the vdh cabling. I had mine replaced with Kondo silver wire+Teflon braid and additional Kondo silver cartridge tags. Wow, what a difference. I prefer the clinically neutral sound of the V. I have a rather good valve system if I want warm and cuddly. ;)
Oi - valves (done properly) do NOT sound 'warm & cuddly'!! ;)
Marco.
Beobloke
14-07-2015, 11:59
Marco's VFM point is relevant. There may be better alternatives VFM knocking about today but few will be better (or as well) engineered imho, and the price probably reflects this.
Thing is, though, Paul, this is all relative. I have spent time with more than a handful of arms that are at least double the price of the SME V and in one case, triple. Not one of them was as well built - one in particular had a VTA collar that wouldn't tighten properly and a counterweight that made horrible squeaking noises when you adjusted it (and this came from a large and very well known manufacturer of turntables, arms and cartridges!). Equally they all offered a slightly different sonic presentation but none were noticeably better (or indeed worse) than the V.
If you take this into account, the V suddenly looks like decent value!
Outside of out-and-out shit and unreliable, though, what's more important with a tonearm, build quality/looks or absolute sound quality?
As far as I'm concerned, as long as the arm is reliable to use and doesn't look like a dog's dinner, the latter wins out BIG TIME, every time!
That's why I don't 'get' this w*nking over how 'wonderful' SME arms look [I happen to disagree on that], or are built, if they don't ALSO sound considerably better than anything else you can afford to buy...
Hi-fi equipment is simply a tool: a means to an end, and that end is to play music. And speakers (perhaps) aside, not to act as ornaments to be admired! :nono:
Marco.
Thing is, though, Paul, this is all relative. I have spent time with more than a handful of arms that are at least double the price of the SME V and in one case, triple. Not one of them was as well built - one in particular had a VTA collar that wouldn't tighten properly and a counterweight that made horrible squeaking noises when you adjusted it (and this came from a large and very well known manufacturer of turntables, arms and cartridges!). Equally they all offered a slightly different sonic presentation but none were noticeably better (or indeed worse) than the V.
If you take this into account, the V suddenly looks like decent value!
Agreed Adam. By the same token, there area few less expensive which are very well engineered and have their own signature which may be different rather than better or worse. Yes, your point is valid and I agree with you.
Re FVM this may not be as clear cut, it may be a case of synergy lacking, mismatched cart to arm, cart arm to TT or just arm to TT.
I mentioned earlier my failed matching of that SME 309 to a Voyd Valdi, it sounded awful, flat, unmusical. The Rega 300 which had been on it with the same cart a VDH MC10 sounded fabulous. This wasn't a case of bad matching with the SME 309 as the same MC10 sounded fabulous on the 309 but on the Oracle Delphi - a turntable that works well with SME arms.
So was the cheaper Rega 300 better than the SME309 ? No, it just worked better on the Valdi than the 309 had. I suspect in some cases folks not rating items dearer than others could simply be down to cheaper items gelling better and nothing more than that.
System matching and in particular the mechanical matching of turntables to arms and carts, is an art, and just sticking any old arm with any cart on any turntable, regardless of the cost, pedigree of the individual items does not guarantee anything. That experience with the Valdi taught me that, a valuable lesson.
Regards Neil
Yes, synergy matters Neil.
Gordon Steadman
14-07-2015, 12:49
Outside of out-and-out shit and unreliable, though, what's more important with a tonearm, build quality/looks or absolute sound quality?
As far as I'm concerned, as long as the arm is reliable to use and doesn't look like a dog's dinner, the latter wins out BIG TIME, every time!
That's why I don't 'get' this w*nking over how 'wonderful' SME arms look [I happen to disagree on that], or are built, if they don't ALSO sound considerably better than anything else you can afford to buy...
Hi-fi equipment is simply a tool: a means to an end, and that end is to play music. And speakers (perhaps) aside, not to act as ornaments to be admired! :nono:
Marco.
You could say that about anything. My TOTR Neff microwave does pretty much the same job and a cheap chinese one from the supermarket but the fit, finish and feel are so superior that anything cooked in it (well, heated anyway) just tastes so much better.
I am not a great one for 'pride in appearance' (I just have to look in the mirror:eek:) but there is no doubt that for some, the way things look, feel and operate have a large effect on how they feel about them.
Most of my stuff looks tatty so for me, it has to be only about performance but there is always room for those for whom the appearance is important.
Yeah I get that, Gordon, and fully see where you're coming from, but for me (if you're a genuine 'audiophile') that sort of thing shouldn't matter with hi-fi equipment, outside of speakers which one could argue also double as pieces of furniture.
But tonearms? I'd argue that anyone who bought, say an SME V, simply because it looked good, but wasn't necessarily the best sounding option available to them, are in the game for the wrong reasons.
For example, you're a carpenter, so would you buy a chisel, simply because it had a fancy handle on it?
Marco.
Gordon Steadman
14-07-2015, 13:30
Yeah I get that, Gordon, and fully see where you're coming from, but for me (if you're a genuine 'audiophile') that sort of thing shouldn't matter with hi-fi equipment, outside of speakers which one could argue also double as pieces of furniture.
But tonearms? I'd argue that anyone who bought, say an SME V, simply because it looked good, but wasn't necessarily the best sounding option available to them, are in the game for the wrong reasons.
For example, you're a carpenter, so would you buy a chisel, simply because it had a fancy handle on it?
Marco.
Nope. However, if there was a choice of chisels of similar quality that I would go for the one with the best shape and finish to the handle. It would be more comfortable to use and would be less likely to slip during use.
I don't consider myself an 'audiophile' though. As you say, the equipment is merely there to conduct the music to my lug'oles.
On the subject of arms. The best sounding one I have ever heard - and that includes SMEs. Regas, Jelcos etc., is my linear tracker. Pretty it ain't:lol:. There is only one in the whole wide world though.
Best is a dodgy word though isn't it? To me it means that as soon as it hits the record, it draws you in and you forget all about the specs and get lost in the music. I have no idea how it would measure and it may well be that when compared side by side it would look decidedly naff on the scope. All I know is that I have no desire to try and see if there is anything better out there because it gives me what I need from music. I haven't listened to a CD for about four months now.
Wakefield Turntables
14-07-2015, 13:31
Part of the hifi "experience" is developing a respect for a product and it's ability upto do it's job. SME has my respect and it certainly does it's job, faultlessly. I think aesthetics are important, having something which is nice to look at also adds to the experience of playing vinyl. Essentially the tonearm is a transcribing tool. It just so happens that my favourite tonearm for transcription is the SME V. I don't wank over it, I play vinyl with it. :eek:
Ps it's works bloody well with the 1210 so :ner:.
Hi-fi equipment is simply a tool: a means to an end, and that end is to play music. And speakers (perhaps) aside, not to act as ornaments to be admired! :nono:
Marco.
The same could be said of cars; they're a means to an end, and that end is to get you from A to B. Would you say your choice of car was entirely unaffected by aesthetic considerations?
Beobloke
14-07-2015, 13:43
Outside of out-and-out shit and unreliable, though, what's more important with a tonearm, build quality/looks or absolute sound quality?
As far as I'm concerned, as long as the arm is reliable to use and doesn't look like a dog's dinner, the latter wins out BIG TIME, every time!
That's why I don't 'get' this w*nking over how 'wonderful' SME arms look [I happen to disagree on that], or are built, if they don't ALSO sound considerably better than anything else you can afford to buy...
Hi-fi equipment is simply a tool: a means to an end, and that end is to play music. And speakers (perhaps) aside, not to act as ornaments to be admired! :nono:
Marco.
Marco, to me personally, the SME was still the best sounding of them all. I was merely pointing out hat none were unduly bad and some people might prefer the sonic signature of the others, but that the gap between them was not large. After all, if you were buying a new arm and were faced with one model that you liked for some reasons that cost £3000 and was beautifully built, compared to another one that you liked for other reasons but cost £6000 and was a bit rattly, are you really telling me that the construction quality would not be a factor in your decision at all? I somehow doubt it!
Also, people do have different priorities. Personally speaking, by education, qualifications, career and current employment, I'm an engineer. Consequently, I couldn't give a home to any piece of hi-fi equipment that was shoddily designed, poorly constructed or assembled without due diligence in regard to safety. Whilst it would be nice to think that, in the event of an item like this, the cut corners were on the physical appearance and the money had been spent inside where it matters, I can only think of a couple of examples I have encountered where this has actually been the case.
Yes, I get that, but for me with something such as a tonearm, it's different. A car fulfils many different purposes, therefore there are many different reasons for buying one, but a tonearm has only one purpose: to hold a cartridge accurately and play vinyl records, and so that purpose is what it should be primarily chosen for.
However, to take your car analogy further, I'd say that those who see cars merely as a 'means to an end' (to get from A to B) aren't really into driving, so perhaps the same could be said for music about those who choose tonearms significantly on aesthetic considerations? ;)
Marco.
However, to take your car analogy further, I'd say that those who see cars merely as a 'means to an end' (to get from A to B) aren't really into driving, so perhaps the same could be said for music about those who choose tonearms significantly on aesthetic considerations? ;)
Marco.
It's more complicated than that. Some people collect books for various reasons; beautiful bindings, first editions signed by the author, for example. Personally I buy books to read and for study; as long is the text is readable, I'm not bothered by any aesthetic considerations. Am I more 'into' reading than someone who also values the aesthetic aspects? 'Not necessarily' is the only possible answer.
Wakefield Turntables
14-07-2015, 13:58
And thread drift creeps in again... :steam:
Spectral Morn
14-07-2015, 14:00
Ps it's works bloody well with the 1210 so :ner:.
We will agree to differ I think the fact the 1200 has a powerful low bottom end does not suit an arm that also has a low bottom end, its over egging the pudding imho. Also the somewhat sterile character of the TT, also doesn't sit well with the rest of the SME 5's character. But if you like that presentation fair enough.
Regards Neil
Spectral Morn
14-07-2015, 14:03
Marco, to me personally, the SME was still the best sounding of them all. I was merely pointing out hat none were unduly bad and some people might prefer the sonic signature of the others, but that the gap between them was not large. After all, if you were buying a new arm and were faced with one model that you liked for some reasons that cost £3000 and was beautifully built, compared to another one that you liked for other reasons but cost £6000 and was a bit rattly, are you really telling me that the construction quality would not be a factor in your decision at all? I somehow doubt it!
Also, people do have different priorities. Personally speaking, by education, qualifications, career and current employment, I'm an engineer. Consequently, I couldn't give a home to any piece of hi-fi equipment that was shoddily designed, poorly constructed or assembled without due diligence in regard to safety. Whilst it would be nice to think that, in the event of an item like this, the cut corners were on the physical appearance and the money had been spent inside where it matters, I can only think of a couple of examples I have encountered where this has actually been the case.
Adam
The Graham Phantom mk1 sails well over the SME 5's performance level and easily. Not heard the current Graham arms but I suspect they push the envelope too. Though re instructions for set up, tut tut Graham .... not worthy to lift the hem of the SME instruction booklet.
Regards Neil
talisman2
14-07-2015, 14:18
i agree REXTON , i started about SME V and we are now up to 'Fish n Chips' ??????????????
It's more complicated than that. Some people collect books for various reasons; beautiful bindings, first editions signed by the author, for example. Personally I buy books to read and for study; as long is the text is readable, I'm not bothered by any aesthetic considerations. Am I more 'into' reading than someone who also values the aesthetic aspects? 'Not necessarily' is the only possible answer.
Sure, I agree. However, let me put it this way:
There are two tonearms that you're considering buying, one (to you) looks absolutely gorgeous, but sounds (to your ears) 10% worse than the other arm, which sounds utterly stunning, but merely looks 'ok'. Both are built well, function faultlessly, and price isn't an issue. Which one would you buy?
Me? I'd go for the latter EVERY time, without even a moment's thought!! :exactly:
Marco.
Hi Adam,
Marco, to me personally, the SME was still the best sounding of them all. I was merely pointing out hat none were unduly bad and some people might prefer the sonic signature of the others, but that the gap between them was not large. After all, if you were buying a new arm and were faced with one model that you liked for some reasons that cost £3000 and was beautifully built, compared to another one that you liked for other reasons but cost £6000 and was a bit rattly, are you really telling me that the construction quality would not be a factor in your decision at all? I somehow doubt it!
Also, people do have different priorities. Personally speaking, by education, qualifications, career and current employment, I'm an engineer. Consequently, I couldn't give a home to any piece of hi-fi equipment that was shoddily designed, poorly constructed or assembled without due diligence in regard to safety. Whilst it would be nice to think that, in the event of an item like this, the cut corners were on the physical appearance and the money had been spent inside where it matters, I can only think of a couple of examples I have encountered where this has actually been the case.
All fair points, and I appreciate that you look at things differently as an engineer.
I think my last post probably answers the bit in bold, although of course if the arm was rattly, or in some other way not entirely fit for purpose, I wouldn't buy it. The bottom line for me, though, with hi-fi, is given that a piece of equipment functions faultlessly and is reliable, aesthetics will ALWAYS be secondary to sonic performance! :)
For example, I think that Croft equipment rather neatly encapsulates that design methodology: entirely functional and reliable (looks nothing special), but the real money is spent 'under the hood', where it matters most. That is the approach to audio I admire and support.
I just don't see the point of buying 'audiophile jewellery'.
Marco.
Part of the hifi "experience" is developing a respect for a product and it's ability upto do it's job. SME has my respect and it certainly does it's job, faultlessly.
No problem, Andy, but that's where you and I differ. "Respect for a product" plays no part in my hi-fi buying decisions. The badge means nothing to me; the 'respect' comes from the product performing consistently to my exacting sonic standards, not a manufacturer's 'high-end reputation'.
Respect for the designer or manufacturer himself or herself, however, is a different matter entirely, and something that can matter a lot. There are certain manufacturers for example that, no matter how good their products were, I wouldn't buy from. Conversely, there are others whom I hold in the greatest respect, both as people and as talented audio designers - and they will always get my business.
At the end of the day, though, I don't get a 'warm glow' because my gear has 'SME' (or anything else) written on it; the satisfaction of owning it comes from how convincingly, to my ears, it reproduces recorded music :cool:
Marco.
I just don't see the point of buying 'audiophile jewellery'.
Kind of funny sentence when we're discussing SME V :D :D :D
However I can easily relate to person that wants to combine the sound quality with some other values like design, engineering, history, longevity, looks, service guarantee - just to name a few. Actually I think I am one of those persons and firmly believe that in some cases whole package is bigger than the sum of its parts, and in some it's not. And this does not necessary always follow any special idea like form follows function etc. Shades of grey etc.
However as I have long ago understood that we all are (or should be) doing this to ourselves, I see no bigger issue in different opinions and choices we do.
Yup, Mika, it's all about what floats your boat. I just tend to have a rather pragmatic approach to hi-fi :)
Marco.
Wakefield Turntables
14-07-2015, 19:27
. The badge means nothing to me; the 'respect' comes from the product performing consistently to my exacting sonic standards, not a manufacturer's 'high-end reputation'.
Respect for the designer or manufacturer himself or herself, however, is a different matter entirely, and something that can matter a lot. There are certain manufacturers for example that, no matter how good their products were, I wouldn't buy from. Conversely, there are others whom I hold in the greatest respect, both as people and as talented audio designers - and they will always get my business.
At the end of the day, though, I don't get a 'warm glow' because my gear has 'SME' (or anything else) written on it; the satisfaction of owning it comes from how convincingly, to my ears, it reproduces recorded music :cool:
Marco.
I think I'd agree with pretty much all of what you say. I don't respect a product because of its badge status, I respect a product because of its ability to do a job flawlessy and just get on with things. It could be called Betty for all I care so long as it works and does what its designed to do.
southall-1998
14-07-2015, 21:32
My Dad uses a standard V on his Model 10.
I'm no turntable expert. But this arm is very neutral. Some will find it boring/bland sounding. Others will praise it.
The V, can make some other costly tonearms sound rugged in comparison.
S.
Sure, I agree. However, let me put it this way:
There are two tonearms that you're considering buying, one (to you) looks absolutely gorgeous, but sounds (to your ears) 10% worse than the other arm, which sounds utterly stunning, but merely looks 'ok'. Both are built well, function faultlessly, and price isn't an issue. Which one would you buy?
Me? I'd go for the latter EVERY time, without even a moment's thought!! :exactly:
Marco.
I doubt very much whether I'd be able to gauge whether something was 10% better or worse, so I'd go for the cheaper option. I'm not made of money!
Lol.... Forget about the percentage rating - just think of it along the lines of the better looking arm sounding *notably* worse to your ears than the other one. Would you still choose it simply because it looked better, even though it sounded worse, given that both arms in question are built well, function faultlessly, and price isn't an issue?
Marco.
<offtopic>
Btw, during the years with this interest I have met several people claiming that aesthetics and other values do not mean anything to them and they concentrate only to sound quality while doing decisions. However as per my view only few actually qualify and from their listening rooms and systems would not prefer to share any pics :lol:'
</offtopic>
Yup, I can believe that! Here's a couple of pics of my 'big old wardrobes' (Lockwood Majors with Tannoy 15"MGs), shown demonstrated at a hi-fi show in the UK, which I can assure you were not chosen for their looks [even though I dig retro]! ;)
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/6008/scalford2.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/100/scalford2.jpg/)
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/2563/scalfordhall2010.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/scalfordhall2010.jpg/)
Big and ugly? Perhaps, but fookin' ell do they sound good - and way better than anything 'prettier' I've heard that's made today!! :guitar: :hairmetal:
Marco.
P.S Most of my system was used in that demo, including the Sony DAC (shown in the first pic under the smaller Bel Canto CDP), Technics T/T, Copper amp and Croft preamplifier.
Well that doesn't look so bad to my eyes for what comes to the equipment. Not big nor ugly. In proper room and set up might actually be quite nice :D
Anyway perhaps ten or twenty+ years ago I was thinking bravely I make my choices solely based on sound quality but the years have taught me otherwise. It is good to know who you really are and what do you actually want as that will make your life much easier..
Well that doesn't look so bad to my eyes for what comes to the equipment. Not big nor ugly. In proper room and set up might actually be quite nice :D
It does (for me), although you haven't seen it on Phase 17 Mana, which you could also say is, aesthetically, an 'acquired taste'! :eek:
http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/marco_system/2009-01/aosm02.jpg
http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/marco_system/2009-01/aosm03.jpg
http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/marco_system/2009-01/aosm04.jpg
:eyebrows: :eyebrows:
The racks weren't chosen for their looks either!! ;)
Marco.
P.S Those pics are from 2009.
Lol.... Forget about the percentage rating - just think of it along the lines of the better looking arm sounding *notably* worse to your ears than the other one. Would you still choose it simply because it looked better, even though it sounded worse, given that both arms in question are built well, function faultlessly, and price isn't an issue?
Marco.
Well, obviously I'd choose the better-sounding item. In any case, my tonearm's in a dark corner of the room and thus almost 'invisible' anyway.
Well, obviously I'd choose the better-sounding item.
Nice one. There's no 'obviously' about it, though. Trust me, some dafties wouldn't. They would sacrifice that '10%' of sonics for looks! :mental:
Marco.
thankyoumisterman
15-07-2015, 21:59
Marco, did you have your Lockwood cabinets built to order, or were they already installed? If you did choose those, what drove your decision?
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