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Well after further VTA fiddles and a few improvements here and there the arm is really singing.
It does better the 9" Acos arm on the SP-10. There's less distortion = calmer. Highs are better defined and since I dropped the counter weight down (lower CofG) I fancy the bass is better too.
It's a different presentation but one that I like.
So mission accomplished.
Might build a 10" just for fun next...
Got around to doing a proper arm lift holder out of flat brass.
Similar clamp on arrangement as SME's with a height adjustable holder for the Rega armlift I have. Work very nicely and feels very secure.
http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/43...600x600Q85.jpg
Next stop the lash up arm rest - next weekend.
Photo taken with Nokia N82.
UPDATE! Cracked it!
Had a long think about the negatives & positive of the 12" arm. Back to basics - the bearings.
Ran them in for another 48hrs at least and then flushed the grease out with solvent and high pressure airline (tip from wigwammer).
Result - I could not tell in my hand but on plumbing in and trying the SPU Silver Meister I now have the thing is transformed!
The bass is very good (was before), cymbals were good too - both better than the 9" arm.
The new improvement is midrange punch and life / emotion is there. So now I have the best bits of the 12" sound and none of the negatives (a bit over calm / unemotional) I had before.
The 12" still has a calm authority about it that the 9" can't match when the going gets complex but it is not intruding on the music anymore - far from it, it helps.
Perhaps it is that the Silver Meister suits the 12" config better than the Royal N, however I am preferring what the Silver Meister does on the 12" better than the 9" now and that is the main thing.
Couple of pics.
http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/40...600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/46...600x600Q85.jpg
This is SPU'tastic now!
I am confident the changes have brought about a really good arm.
If anyone wants a 9" or 12" one let me know and we can discuss.
10" depends on jig development so not for the time being.