Headshell For Lyra Titan i Cart in SME 3012 mk 2 Arm

[Alfonzo]

Hi guys

Need some help please. Has anybody used a Lyra Titan I on a SME 3012 mk 2 and what type of head shell suits best. Tried google but not much help there so hope someone here can assist.

Do I use a heavier shell like one from Audio Technica or would a light SME S2 one suffice. Answers on a post card please :)

Before you say try both - I am not confident installing expensive carts so getting it done and need to get it right first time if I can.

Thanks in advance

A :)

[Barry]

What is the (dynamic) compliance of your Lyra Titan?

[hifi_dave]

I believe it is 12 cu.

[Barry]

The quoted dynamic compliance of 12cu is measured at 100Hz. The dynamic compliance at 10Hz will be higher, anywhere between 1.5 - 2.0 x the compliance at 100Hz.

The mass of the Titan 1 cartridge is 12g and the effective mass of the SME 3012 is 14g, so the total mass is 26g, placing the calculated low frequency resonance point at between 6.4Hz and 7.4Hz.

This is on the low side, and may mean the cartridge/arm assembly is subject to disturbance by footfalls etc. If you can fit the SME damping dashpot this will raise the resonant frequency by ~ 1.5Hz, closer to the desired range of 8 - 12Hz.

Given this, I would be therefore be reluctant to use a heavier headshell than the SME S2 already in use.

[Alfonzo]

Thanks Barry

Note taken and duly installed. Need to sort arm height now and loadings as a bit bright at mo. But dynamics are amazing