View Full Version : SME 3009 S2 Improved Collar/Bayonet
dantheman91
12-12-2021, 07:46
Hi All
Recently bought a Technics SL 150 with an SME 3009 S2 improved but having problems with attaching the head shell to the head shell collar gently screwing and then it just stops like friction or something stopping it tried it once not more if the collar is broken or needs repair and the common azimuth problem with the rotating left to right too - head shell was on until i took it off to re connect the connections bad idea think it was forced on my the previous owner not recommended needs looking at either thoughts its going it for repair but any thoughts most likely a bent pin or broken collar time will tell :scratch: came with a lovely V15 type III too
the shell collars can be tight sometimes in a spot halfway onwards, especially if the washer is on. the az adjuster screw is on arm underneath near collar and is i think slightly indented. should be tight enough that it requires decent force to move it.
but you could have a faulty one too. i usually dump the washer...lol .. im awaiting the flak. :sofa:
Shovel_Knight
12-12-2021, 15:04
the shell collars can be tight sometimes in a spot halfway onwards, especially if the washer is on. the az adjuster screw is on arm underneath near collar and is i think slightly indented. should be tight enough that it requires decent force to move it.
but you could have a faulty one too. i usually dump the washer...lol .. im awaiting the flak. :sofa:
The screw does not fix the connector in the armtube, it only prevents it from being pulled out.
These collars are now 50+ years old, who knows what happened it to it during this time.
If it needs to be replaced, I recommend replacement headshell connectors by AudioSilente, they are made to a much higher standard than the original SME part.
walpurgis
12-12-2021, 15:17
If it was me, I'd try some PTFE powder on the mating/rubbing surfaces.
If it needs to be replaced, I recommend replacement headshell connectors by AudioSilente, they are made to a much higher standard than the original SME part.
AudioSilente state their replacement headshell connector/collars are not suitable for the improved version of the SME Series II arms. http://www.audiosilente.com/spare-parts-for-sme-new-sme-3009-connector-with-gold-plated-pins.html
dantheman91
12-12-2021, 18:21
Thanks all for the advice its booked in for repair with my local tech Hopefully we can get it up and running again.
Shovel_Knight
12-12-2021, 18:24
AudioSilente state their replacement headshell connector/collars are not suitable for the improved version of the SME Series II arms. http://www.audiosilente.com/spare-parts-for-sme-new-sme-3009-connector-with-gold-plated-pins.html
It definitely fits the S2 Improved as it still has the stupid azimuth adjustment slot.
The screw does not fix the connector in the armtube, it only prevents it from being pulled out.
These collars are now 50+ years old, who knows what happened it to it during this time.
If it needs to be replaced, I recommend replacement headshell connectors by AudioSilente, they are made to a much higher standard than the original SME part.
yes i know. that was just re his other question on how to adjust it; or thats what i thought he asked.:)
It may fit, but there must be some reason why AudioSilente don't recommend it for the SME "-R" and "Improved" arms. Have to admit I can't think why that should be; despite the fact that the coupling is 0.5g heavier than the original, which would have little effect on the overall performance. :scratch:
Shovel_Knight
12-12-2021, 19:43
I think he means that it's not compatible with the II Improved. The R versions have the fixing screw in a different location.
I think he means that it's not compatible with the II Improved. The R versions have the fixing screw in a different location.
I didn't know about the different location of the screw for the R version (I'll have to have a look on mine), but I think the location is the same for both the II (non-Improved) and the II (Improved). I have samples of both, so again will have to check.
I could understand if AudioSilente distinguished between the Mk. I and Mk. II arms, as the Mark I used a stainless steel arm tube with (perhaps) a different bore diameter.
Shovel_Knight
12-12-2021, 20:34
I think he means it's incompatible with the fixed headshell version (II Improved) and not the S2 Improved which has a removable headshell.
dantheman91
13-12-2021, 12:40
Update
Removed the screw for holding the collar in adjusted god they are a pain to get back in and the head shell slotted in and screwed no problem the azimuth problem is now fixed to and staying in position - :)
Happy Listening The SL 150 needs speed adjustment
Update
Removed the screw for holding the collar in adjusted god they are a pain to get back in and the head shell slotted in and screwed no problem the azimuth problem is now fixed to and staying in position - :)
Happy Listening The SL 150 needs speed adjustment
That's good news Dan.
I have never had to remove the screw completely, in fact on one of my SME arms I had to tighten it, as the headshell could rotate slightly in an anticlockwise sense when the arm was lifted out from the arm rest. Adjusting the screw with the arm in situ is tricky: you need a very short screwdriver, but it can be done.
The screw has been described as "stupid", but I can't see how one can provide azimuth adjustment without providing a means of locking the collar in place once the correct azimuth setting has been achieved.
Shovel_Knight
13-12-2021, 14:11
The screw is necessary to keep the headshell socket in place, that much is obvious.
It's the whole idea of a friction fit headshell socket that can be rotated to adjust azimuth that I have an issue with. The socket is a tight fit which makes precise and repeatable azimuth adjustment difficult. However, at the same time it's not tight enough and it's possible to slightly disturb it when changing headshells.
The best implementation of adjustable azimuth I have seen was designed by Micro Seiki. The end of the armtube is slotted and there is a clamp that can be loosened for easy and precise azimuth adjustment; but when it's tightened, the connection is absolutely rock solid with no accidental adjustment possible.
The installation instructions for the SME 3009 arms changed over time. Early versions relied on the collar/connector being a tight friction fit to the arm tube and the screw was not touched at all during azimuth adjustment (steps 123 and 124 on page 10 of: https://sme.co.uk/audio/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2018/09/MODEL_3009_SERIES_II_IMPROVED_INSTRUCTION_BOOK.pdf )
Later versions required the screw to be slackened before azimuth adjustment and tightened afterwards: steps 1237 to 1239 on page 16 of: https://www.theanalogdept.com/images/spp6_pics/SME/SME3009R/ModelsRtype.pdf
This would suggest the head diameter of the screw might have been changed on later models, so it didn't sit within the slot but could 'nip' the sides of the slot.
Yet on all of my SME arms: Series II and Series II (Improved), where I have had problems with the headshell collar/connector rotating, all I needed to do was to tighten the screw.
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