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Silly turntable question

(The question, not the TT!)

I'm assembling a turntable setup, slowly over time.
At this point I have an SP-10 with the factory
obsidian plinth/cover. I have a new SME-V for it
that I bought about 6 years ago (I did say slowly). It's
not even set up yet, let alone having been listened to.

Now, I've gotten the idea in my head that I want a 12-inch
arm instead, the SME-312. THAT would mean selling the
obsidian plinth and buying something custom, as well as
buying the new arm.

I'm willing to admit that I must surely have some mental
quirk to want this change, untested.

Even so, I humbly ask you, what could I expect soundwise
if I followed through with this proposed upgrade ?
Subtle improvements ? How subtle ?
Or, should I just be happy with what I have ?

Speakers are DIY custom built, amps are Brystons,
listening room is way too small.

"Do you think I'll be happy ?" What a question.
noslepums
lloydc's avatar
lloydc
759 posts
 
You are absolutely correct, your question is silly. Anything you actually implement would be an improvement over the silence emanating from your current rig.

improving the phono stage, cartridge, or your skill setting things up, would probably make more of a difference than going to a longer tonearm.
noslepums OP
22 posts
 
First, thank you folks very much for your comments !
I'm the first to laugh at myself about this, I have other
unfinished projects at home on par with this. I seem to be
pretty good at starting projects but not as good at
finishing.

I have an old Clearaudio Accurate cart (12g, 15cu) that
"should" resonate at 8.06Hz on the 14g SME-312s, and at
8.57Hz on the 11g SME-V. So that would indicate I probably
need a new cart too if I bought the 312s. I could of course
just try it on the -V and not spend any money. Don't know
if this considered a match made in heaven or not.

If I did not use the -V, I could probably get a bit more
on a sale/trade-in, this is true.

Some of you have given me powerful arguements for further
thinking...........;)
noslepums OP
22 posts
 
It is a Mk-II I think, it has the separate power supply
and speed control display.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Noslepums, My post above was written under the assumption that the 12" SME arm you are contemplating is the SME 312S, though you wrote "312". The 312S is a new generation magnesium arm based on the SME IV. It differs from the V-12 by having a removable headshell (convenient for cartridge swapping and azimuth adj.) and by also having dynamic VTF adjustment. For me, the latter is more important than the former, but for others, maybe not. I'm not familiar with the 312.

Albert Porter has the 312S arm and is getting a V-12 for comparison. I've never heard the 312S. I agree with everyone else that the length of your arm should be of a lower priority to others for getting started. Set up what you have and enjoy some records. Then go from there.

If you follow Raul's advice for a nude SP10 with an arm on an arm pod, then switching to a 12" arm later should not be an issue besides adjusting for the new alignment. Have some fun.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Some of you have given me powerful arguements for further thinking...........;)
ROFLMAO!!! I'd hire you to fix my car... if I had a spare car.
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