I'm using a Soundsmith cartridge on a 309, and did run into an issue that affected the last track or two on a side (though it was mistracking rather than sibilance and distortion). I was having to lower the arm to get it level to a point where the arm was touching against the arm lift, even when it was lowered. The SME manuals say their arm lifts are adjustable with a tiny Allen key inserted in the tiny hole in the middle of the rubber cap on the arm lift, but I cannot find such a hole on any of my SME arms. I shaved off the ridge on the rubber and all is well.
40 years of fitting cartridges to a variety of arms, I'm feeling stumped
Sibilance and distortion on the last track.
I have had no problem with setting-up numerous Ortofons, 2 Dynavectors, Yamaha MC-1S, Goldring 1042, Sumiko EVOIII BPS/Blackbird, Denon DL-304/DL-301MKII/DL-103R, Nagaoka MP-500/MP300. But this.....this Soundsmith ’The Voice’ - it’s beating me up.
I have tried what seems to be every conventional and unconventional means to getting it just right on the VTF, Overhang, Alignment, Azimuth, VTA and anti-skating. I haven’t given-up. There has to be a way - unless I either have the wrong arms (SME 309 and Audiomods Series 6) or I lose what skills I had in the eye-hand co-ordination dept.
I have read every word of Peter Ledermann’s instructions on the USB key and watched the videos. Still struggling.
I shall persevrere.
Any pearls of wisdom are welcome.
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- 9 posts total
- 9 posts total