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SME iV.Vi or SME V for SME 20 turntable?

Hi all,
Could anyone please tell me which arm is prefered for the SME 20/2 turntable? What are the major differences between these tonearms? SME official website says that the SME 20/2A includes the V tonearm (for better compatibility?) BUT people at Sumiko say the iV.Vi is prefered, so i am a little confused. It would be great to hear from SME combo users themselves
Also, anyone bought the combo SME 20/2 and iV.Vi arm can tell me if this one comes complete with tonearm cable or it has to be bought seperately? If the cable doesnt come with it, any recommendation on tonearm cable for the iV.Vi?

Greatly appreciate.
jaytea
jaytea OP
78 posts
 
The IV.Vi from Sumiko audio DOES have VTA adjustment feature added on (literally) the damping trough, via a threaded VTA screw.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Jaytea, you have a gorgeous system, I just looked at it! But God spare us MF. You can get more, and more accurate, hands-on information right here in these forums. (It's 4mm/degree BTW, not 3mm ;--)

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1140840022&read&keyw&sra&&st0

As for the SME IV or V, you can't adjust SRA/VTA on the fly anyway. So basically, you HAVE to set it and forget it, which I therefore accept. HOWEVER, all the more reason to do so with the utmost accuracy -- for which you will need the adjustment screw and a set of automotive feeler guages. (The adjustment screw is removed when setup is complete, BTW)
jaytea OP
78 posts
 
Nsgarch: Thanks so much for the info..and the correction :) Does anyone know what kind of headshell leads the IV.Vi uses? Are they the same as the ones(VdH Silver Litz) used in the V or different?
Thanks again
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
The stock headshell leads are the vdH Litz you mentioned. I don't like them. The wire is very good, but they're too short to loop back around the end of most MC carts. And, the garden variety clips suck. Look at the Cardas leads with spring-loaded clips -- da bomb!!
jaytea OP
78 posts
 
Nsgarch: I almost bought the Cardas leads last night from Music Direct, they are around $120/set of 4 i think. Since i wasnt sure if it would fit the SME, would it??? Did you try them? Are they any better from the vdH ? Do you know any place i can get it cheaper? Thanks
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