issue with sme 3009/Thorens TD160

[MarginWalker]

Hi all,

I have just got round to fitting a SME 3009 on my Thorens, all looked good until i realised that it didn't fit within my plinth and requires more space at the bottom...

https://i.imgur.com/f9gvSDt.jpg

Is there any solution to this other than cutting a hole in the baseboard and adding extra long feet?

Thanks
Phil

[walpurgis]

Leave the base off, it'll sound better that way. Yes, use taller feet and investigate side entry cables.

[MarginWalker]

Thanks, Geoff. Does anyone know where i would be able to get a right angled/side entry connector cable?

[Jac Hawk]

Get a new plinth the original Thorens plinths have always been the weak part or the TT, get a new heavier plinth and baseboard

[MarginWalker]

I already have a new plinth, but it is the same height as the original.

[struth]

you can alter the sme for rca's that go in sideways. that will solve it too.. usually kits on the bay

[struth]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/phono-RCA-conversion-kit-adapter-for-SME-3009-3012-SERIES-2-tone-arms/254490761306?hash=item3b40d4d85a:g:uocAAOSw0j5eKez m

cheap version but will do fine

[Barry]

SME developed the side-entry version for the Belling & Lee 5-way connector in the '70, so their arms would fit in the shallow plinths of the Thorens 125, 150 and 160 TTs as well as those of the ERA Mk.6 turntable. The SME arms with this modification are designated "/SE".

I would replace the vertical entry Belling & Lee socket with side entry RCA phono sockets. Conversion kits are readily available, and it would give you the option to try different cables.

[Barry]

Ah - I see Grant has just referenced a suitable coversion kit.

[moodybuilder]

The new plinth should be made deeper out of better timber with a much denser base board,like 12mm MDF. that’s the point in getting a new plinth made.

[Jac Hawk]

The new plinth should be made deeper out of better timber with a much denser base board,like 12mm MDF. that’s the point in getting a new plinth made.

Absolutely right the original plinth was made to fit the Thorens arm which is quite shallow, in contrast not only is the 3009 arm deeper but on many versions the cable is attached at the very bottom of the arm, even after modifying the arm the plinth has barely enough space to allow suspension travel, i think the original plinth is about 50 or 60mm deep, i'd say if you're going to the expense of a new plinth it needs to be about twice as deep, mine for instance is 100mm with an 18mm MDF base board the 3009 arm fit's well and allows easy set up of the suspension

[Barry]

That was why SME developed the HE (horizontal entry) version of the SME 3009 (imp) arm, for both the TD150 and TD125 turntables with their shallow plinths.

[Jac Hawk]

i guess back in the day the plinth was an integral part of the TT especially to me, even though when you take the deck apart the plinth is second rate at best, but most people and that would have included me back then would have left the TT setup to the shop and not realised its short comings and i guess by the same token most HiFi dealers wouldn't be suggesting you fork out your hard earned ohh and then a bit more coz the deck you bought isn't as great as it could be.