2. analog
  3. 160997-137779

Odd problem with TT setup...

I’ve got an SME 30/2 TT with the Gold V tonearm. Recently, I’ve noticed on a few albums with particularly punchy kick drum passages (The Police Zenyatta, Talking Heads Slippery People particularly) that on occasion I hear a distinct “pop” as if overdriven during these notes. But not every time in the song, nor on every song.. The odd thing is, it doesn’t matter what I change... my typical cart is an Atlas, but it has also done it with other carts, namely a Sumiko Blue #2 MM. Capacitance settings don’t change the problem, I’ve tried cable swaps on both ends, different phono stages, gain settings, loads etc. it happens in any channel on my Hegel regardless of volume, it happens if I run straight into my head phone amp with headphones. The ONLY constant here is the tonearm. All of the setup parameters are spot on, I’ve tried a variety of VTA settings, antiskate you name it. Is it possible the internal wiring of the tonearm can have a problem? Overall the sound is excellent, great soundstage, overall presentation etc. with the exception of this one issue. Any ideas?
geof3
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
millercarbon: 
A pop to me is more of an electrical kind of thing. But all the electrical glitches I've heard in situations like this the sound cuts out it doesn't pop.

So now at last we have our answer: worn internal wiring. Probably internal and out of sight but carefully inspect all you can see. Use tweezers to pull the cartridge clips, or at least give them a little nudge to confirm they're still nice and tight. 

But basically yeah, probably time for service. If you like the arm they probably can upgrade the wire. Origin Live has wire upgrades for theirs, SME should too. 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear @geof3 : Before you could think in a new tonearm you must fixed the V because in that condition you can put for sale and yes SME is whom needs to do it and as I told you maybe the internal rewiring if your sample has not the today latest internal SME wire that’s an excellent one.

After that test it for some time and if you don’t like it then think in the Kuzma 4Point.

Btw, sooner or latter if I were you and want it to stay truer to the recording I will change as sooner I can that phono stage that is really a "mess " with your analog rig and Hegel electronics.
The question I could do it to my self as an hipothetical owner is: why in the hell own a SME 30 TT, Atlas cartridge and the Hegel electronics with that " poor " Simsaudio model?

This is the one:

https://simaudio.com/en/product/810lp-phono-preamplifier/

https://simaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/810LP_Manual_EN.pdf


I really don’t care if you just folow with those " bike tires " at the end you are the " Ferrai " owner, that is only an opinion as the opinions of any one else.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.


geof3 OP
1,129 posts
 
Yes, I am looking at demo-ing an 810 perhaps next week. My local shop is a Simaudio dealer. But then, there are numerous options at that level... gotta get the TT sorted one way or another first. The “bike tires” are ok for now...
geof3 OP
1,129 posts
 
So, the SME is off to be rebuilt and rewired. I’m sure it will be weeks before I see it. I suppose, if it comes back and I still have issues, we can start this thread up again! Crossed fingers!
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,897 posts
 
@geof3  How did this work out?
More to discover