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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
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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jrmanders
54 posts
 
I use my 20 with the ball bearing feet instead of the rubber. To remove the rubber inserts just remove the foot and with I small allen key push the rubber out. This should give you a faster sound which I prefer.

Enjoy, Jonathan.
zbielak OP
7 posts
 
05-10-09: Johnnyb53

"Not so easy with a fixed headshell, but could be done with a headshell weight..."

What mass should I apply atop of the headshell to come near the optimum? Is there a way to calculate it? I understand if the optimum mass be achieved the cart should play in the familiar manner?
Will the cantilever not break if I extra weighted the headshell?
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