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

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?

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
.

Jay, I just spoke to Colleen @ Cardas, and she recommends the less expensive headshell leads for a couple of reasons:

First, the clips on those fit a wider variety of pin sizes. The clips themselves are rolled tubes with slit sides and make better contact than the standard triangular folded clips, yet they are easy to attach/remove. There are two choices of clip metal: Gold and Rhodium. She recommends Rhodium as it retains its springiness better.

Second, both kinds of leads use the same kind of wire and it's 1.5" long but there's more flexible length in the standard version, as you pointed out the expensive one are kind of bulky.
.

I am using the non-spring-loaded Cardas leads with my SME V and Transfig Orpheus. I passed on the fancier ones for fear the collets would be too wide for proper fitment. The wire is flexible, much more so than the stock SME silver leads. The Cardas clips (gold on mine) are side slit and expand and attach very easily, which also means they don't grip super tight. You may want to snug them up before or after attaching. I've thought about using some of the Walker silver conductivity enhancer on the pins/clips but haven't tried that yet.

Tim