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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
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
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Jay, I've got the $48 leads right now, but want to try the $116 soon because of the spring loaded clips.
jaytea OP
78 posts
 
Please let me know how you like the $116 one...they look kinda bulky, so i'm not sure if it will fit. Do you know what kinda conductor they use in the Cardas?
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Jay -- Why don't you give Cardas a call to find out about the bulky ones, because I really like the spring clips a lot. Looks like they wouldn't break where the wire is connected, and that they'd be easy to put on and take off. But yes, they seem a bit short.

Explain that you want to use them on an SME IV w/ a Koetsu Urushi, and your concerned about clip size compatibility and wire length. It's their product, they should know what it can/can't do. AND if it's too short or bulky, ask if they'd make some up the way we want (they do sell the spring clips separately, but who wants to mess with that!)

Neil
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