View Full Version : Garrard 401-SME 3009 correct tonearm position.
Hi Chaps,
Just a peak into the myriad of thoughts pervading my mind, is my tonearm mounted in the incorrect position?
According to a friend who builds plinths my 3009 should be mounted behind the deck on the right rather than down the side, this is recommended position for a 9" SME anyway as putting it down the side of the 401 restricts adjustment because the deck plate is so large and puts the arm further away.
First photo shows SME 2000 plinth with tonearm mounted on the side [could this be factory pre-drilled?]. AF black and red top plinths, same position but last two photos show arm behind the deck. Who is right?
Cheers,
walpurgis
07-07-2021, 17:21
Looks about the same as mine did. Check the geometry.
Geoff, which one looks about the same? I have to order a new plinth and the builder is waiting for my answer, either back or side, my choice.
walpurgis
07-07-2021, 18:07
The first pic with the SME 2000 plinth.
Looks like the original top board as pre-cut by SME.
With any cartridge, are you able to achieve zero tracking error using the alignment protractor supplied by SME? If you can, then the arm base is the correct distance from the centre of the turntable. Whether it is 'behind' or 'alongside' the turntable is simply a matter of choice.
If the top board of the SME plinth is pre-cut by SME, then the arm mounting slot will be in the correct position.
Do you have the installation protractor, which fits over the turntable spigot and shows where to drill out the arm base slot, and where to drill the pilot holes for the arm-fixing screws?
Wakefield Turntables
07-07-2021, 18:23
With any cartridge, are you able to achieve zero tracking error using the alignment protractor supplied by SME? If you can, then the arm base is the correct distance from the centre of the turntable. Whether it is 'behind' or 'alongside' the turntable is simply a matter of choice.
Agreed, it's just your aesthetic choice.
WullieD20
07-07-2021, 19:48
Agreed, it's just your aesthetic choice.
Also agreed. The plinth I built is virtually identical to your pals (photo), where the centre to pivot distance has been calculated iaw the tonearm specification requirements. (Behind or aside is immaterial) and the 'long' armboard that I made and fitted is capable of fitting a 9" or a 12" tonearm....
https://i.postimg.cc/18hGrW1x/IMG-0869.jpg (https://postimg.cc/18hGrW1x)
https://i.postimg.cc/fkPjJzHR/IMG-0877-a.jpg (https://postimg.cc/fkPjJzHR)
This is what I thought providing that SME, not the user, pre-cut the arm hole. My plinth came already pre-cut by the builder, I wanted it that way. SME has a sliding base, that’s why they designed the arms base like this for this exact reason but when a friend saw my deck he said that the arm should have been mounted in the back. That's the reason why I posted the question.
Cheers,
This is my deck just refurbished by Ray Clark and ready to be mounted either in the black plinth or a new one by Russ.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=851860905427378
Gordon. who built your plinth Russ Collinson?
WullieD20
08-07-2021, 07:42
Gordon. who built your plinth Russ Collinson?
Horacio, I built my plinth from my own design. Done a few different 401 plinths for pals to date.
I have received a message from Brian Lake, SME service manager. He says that the important thing to remember is the turntable spindle to arm pivot measurement. The picture of the arm on the SME 2000 plinth is quite regular and preferred.
In theory however the arm could be placed anywhere around 360 degrees providing the distance mentioned above is maintained.
Cheers,
WullieD20
08-07-2021, 16:42
In theory however the arm could be placed anywhere around 360 degrees providing the distance mentioned above is maintained.
Can't disagree with that, eh?
Brian Lake’s message is spot on.
I use a 401 and SME V. The arm base is located at around 1 o’clock in relation to the turntable spindle. This is somewhat historic and goes back to when I used an SME 3009. The arm base cutout was cut so it strikes a theoretical diagonal line across the turntable, the base doesn’t sit at right angles to the 401’s top plate. this keeps the plinth size down to 503mm x 502mm (Width x depth).
The arm aligns okay etc.
As clear as Luskentyre waters. I have my equipment housed in an armoire, my avatar, the maximum depth for a plinth is 430mm, width is not a problem, otherwise the doors will not close.
Cheers,
WullieD20
09-07-2021, 14:00
As clear as Luskentyre waters. I have my equipment housed in an armoire, my avatar, the maximum depth for a plinth is 430mm, width is not a problem, otherwise the doors will not close.
Tricky to keep total measurements under 430mm! I was asked to manufacture the smallest plinth I could for a 401 fitted with an Alphason tone arm. A 401 measures 370 front to rear and the Alphason fitted within the boundaries of the 401, fitted at the back of the motor board. The carcass I made was manufactured from 12mm material and the motor board was isolated from the remainder of the plinth, so total front to rear is approx 400mm. However, there are still the power and interconnect cables to consider, which in the case of a UK build and using an IEC connector adds significantly to the front to rear measurement. If your build has to conform to a max of 430mm, I suspect the power and interconnect cable could be dressed out of the bottom of the plinth and so long as the SME is fitted to the side (rather than the back) you should have plenty of room to play with.
https://i.postimg.cc/XqjfSLw0/401-Plinth-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
My plinth is 490mm x 450mm, I am using a right angle power cord, tight but the doors close. Ray put a monster Hubell plug, it will not pass through the shelf hole.
Regarding plinths, is a sloped and terraced, like the hanging gardens of Babylon, plinth better than one with parallel cut layers like mine?
I have been thinking of ordering a new plinth.
WullieD20
09-07-2021, 15:50
Ray put a monster Hubell plug, it will not pass through the shelf hole.
A jigsaw would soon sort that out. . . ha ha.
Regarding plinths, is a sloped and terraced, like the hanging gardens of Babylon, plinth better than one with parallel cut layers like mine?
I've done both and suspect that most couldn't 'hear' any difference? The more timber, the greater the mass and the better the performance. . . is the opinion of the majority. Layered levels will take a bit more work and could cost a bit more, but not a lot in it IMHO....
My most recent one is virtually identical to one of your photos....
https://i.postimg.cc/9zmm5g8h/401-Plinth-6.jpg (https://postimg.cc/9zmm5g8h)
I have decided to go with this plinth but drilled for my 3009.
The position of the Alphason is where my SME V is mounted.
My choice would be slate. Slateage made mine https://www.slateage.com/
From Slateage. What kind of mod does 3009 have? Feet seem to be from Kridon-image in London, £120 the set of four. Ad says also suitable for heavy slate turntable plinths. Unfortunately, slate is not for me.
The feet on my Slate plinth are Kridon-image. They aren’t just for slate plinths. They are superb, highly recommended.
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