2. analog
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SME 20/2 sound problem. Remedy suggestions needed

Dear Readers! I bought SME 20/2 w/V tonearm as an upgrade from my Roksan Xerxes w/SME IV tonearm. I use Denon DL 103R cart, a very good phonostage just in league with Manley Steelhead, amplified in biamping by Primare Integra on high/midrange and Krell KAV250a on bass, Danish Physics DP.02 speakers. Xerxes palyer with very airy big warm soundstage, the vibration bound turntable design (similar in construction to LP12) being compensated by rigidly controlling Krell produced a rhytmical, colourful sound. Lots of so called coloration transformed into big big lively music. Now replacing it with SME 20/2/V arm all life got immediately lost - sound is dry, flat and monochromatic . Could it be that Denon DL 103R does not live up any near to the SME high end purism, or would You rather say that theres no synergy between a very uncoluring and rigid SME deck and Krell which is known as most monochromatic synthetic and sterile sounding amp? Is it possible that given same system and cartridge the difference between Roksan w/ SME IV and SME 20/2 w/V arm could be so startlingly negative towards the SME deck? I read somewhere that SME decks play flat on rock - I listen mostly to rock/metal - but such a vast devastating difference? colours vs no colours, life vs lack of vitality, music vs. synthetic flat sound? Please help with your knowledge, I'd highly appreciate suggestions. thank You!
zbielak
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Hence - the cartridge first, and well over 1000$ one for sure.

The 103 series can be very critical in Arms when they are not heavy enough, and to be honest, Analog reproduction is a combination from everything. Probably the SME is much more accurate and you simply hear the truth (more than before).
There is a cartridge from Zyx, FS100 - I think -, that has a very remarkable performance for its price. It produces more "music out from the grooves" than others I heard in this price area. And it is a easy going cartridge, no secrets from set up. the Koetsu will compensate the high and low frequency areas, midrange is superior, can be a good match, but sooner or later you will think about it again...
zbielak OP
7 posts
 
05-05-09: Johnnyb53 wrote:
"In other words, the Roksan table's colorations were compensating for a bad cartridge/arm match. The DL-103 needs about an 18g arm, and the SME IV and V have an effective mass of 10g."

Okay, I will have to look for some higher end cart. I will probably have chance to hear Koetsu Black Goldline soon, I also consider an audition of Grado Statement Master MI cart. Maybe You have any oppinions on those carts?

Now as for the Denon 103R, are You positive about this mismatch? Is there any way to make 'em both come any closer to matching? Put some extra weight on the cartridge or something of the kind? Which parameter in cartridge description has to fit? Cound You please shed some light on it for me? It will be helpful to avoid mismatches like the current one with DL 103R, when looking for a next cartridge.
Thank You
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Zbielak,
Another cartridge I would recommend is the Sumiko Celebration. It was designed using the SME V arm on an SME table. It sounds wonderful and there are many reviews on the net. It can be found used for $1000 or new for about $2000.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
I have heard Lyra cartridges on the SMEs that sounded fantastic.

As for the DL-103, it famously has a short, stiff cantilever and wants an effective mass around 18 g. With arms with detachable headshells, this is easily remedied with a heavier headshell. Not so easy with a fixed headshell, but could be done with a headshell weight.
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