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SME 3009 II (improved) won't balance with Shure V15 III

So ... I'm working on a Garrard 301 project and just installed a new-to-me SME 3009 II (improved) tonearm on which I attached a Shure V15 cartridge. I know that this cart and arm are essentially made for each other, but when I begin the setup process, I can't get past the first, most basic step. Even with the balance weight screwed in as close as possible (applying no extra upward weight), the cartridge end tips way UP when I release it from the arm rest. No adjustment I make will get the arm to come down into a balanced position.

I've never encountered this with a tonearm before, and I'm new to owning an SME. 

I'm pretty sure I've check all the "D'oh! How could I be so stupid?" things I could be doing wrong. I'm baffled.  Anyone have any ideas? 

Thanks in advance!

 

dcindc
lewm
12,996 posts
 

Maybe you can find a competent machinist (out in Rockville if you actually live in DC) who can shave some weight off that CW. Could be done while you wait in the shop.

dcindc OP
7 posts
 

Does anyone here know a lot about these SME arms? Even though the guy at SME tells me this is not the original weight, I'm not seeing any mention anywhere online of this arm coming with a lighter weight. I only see mentions of people buying heavier weights because the original was too light. 

FWIW: My weight is 90g. I'm not seeing any mentions online of a weight lighter than that. 

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,655 posts
 

Check the Ebay listings. You can get a one for a lot less than 200 bucks!

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,655 posts
 

I always thought the V15 was ok on the original SME 3009 but the later versions ie improved were not a suitable match. I'd double check the compliance charts to make sure your in the range. 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,943 posts
 

dcindc

Does anyone here know a lot about these SME arms? Even though the guy at SME tells me this is not the original weight, I'm not seeing any mention anywhere online of this arm coming with a lighter weight.

The explanation you received from SME makes perfect sense to me. I'd be inclined to trust it and order the lighter weight.

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