Upgrade From SME IV to V - Worth It


I currently use an SME IV, fitted with a Clearaudio Maestro V2 Ebony cartridge, on a Michell GyroDec. The combination works very well IMHO. Does anyone have any experience upgrading from an SME IV to a V?

mgattmch

It is easy to keep the IV, I am keeping mine, at present there is no intention to reintroduce it, but that can always change in the future.

As the owned IV is a Donor Arm to be used, 'when it eventually happens', on a DD TT with a Plinth Design to have Three TA's mounted, ( 1 @ 9" - 1 @ 12" - 1 @ Variable P to S dimensions ). The idea that comes and goes, could be put in place  to show visitors to the Home System the differences between TA's on a TT that can mount Two TA's.

The present plan for the TA, is to watch how the value appreciates as a used sale item. If the IV or V model is entered into the used market today, and the sale is carefully undertaken. The two models are almost on par for being accessible to funds as a ATM.

There is still good experiences to be had, if the footwork is put in to get out and experience alternate devices being used to enable a Cart' to function. One of these experiences may prove to have a profound effect and make the idea of change to  become a unavoidable. A decision may be forced to be made, where one option chosen is seemingly going to be much more advantageous.

Making a decision about the IV, that's how it went for myself anyways.     

Exchanging the VandenHul phono cable for a Graham unit will be an improvement. The IC 70 and especially the IC-90 cables from Graham really add like to the SME tonearms.

Dear @mgattmch  This is what @bigkidz  posted before:

 

" IMO upgrade the phono stage you get much better results. "

 

Totally rigth, the phono in the C52 just can´'t do it in the rigth way so you needaway better external phono stage.

 About the IV vsV , no matter what the V is superior ( everything the same. ) If an audiophile prefers the IV over the V is only anecdotic and is what the ears of that audiophile and his preferences likes.

Again, you need a better phono stage. before you spend money in other tonearm or other cartridge.

 

Regards and Enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.