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Shure Dynamic Stabilizer on/off experimentation

Hi: I was wondering whether anybody had done the work to properly compare the sound of a Shure Cartridge with the Dynamic Stabilizer a - used as designed by Shure, b - still on the cartridge but locked in the up position, c - removed from the cartridge. To be valid the comparison would have to re-optimize the tracking force and antiskating each time. Also if you can report what tonearm you used that would be helpful; if you have tracking or resonance problems that would invalidate the experiment. For a nice tonearm/cartridge matching graph please see http://www.analogue-classics.com/html/sme_3009___3012.html.

I'm using an SME 3009 Series III tonearm with a SOTA turntable with vacuum holddown. Since the tonearm has damping and the turntable should minimize warp, the stabilizer may do more harm than good in this setup. Before I spend a Saturday doing the experiments I thought I would survey the Audiogon community.

I'd be interested in hearing your experiences please. Thanks!
hifigeezer
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,173 posts
 
Hmm,

I can see the argument either way depending.

Its been years but I always used it when I had one mainly because it helped keep the stylus clean.

No harm trying it both with and without and see what sounds better.
hifigeezer OP
37 posts
 
All:

Thanks very much for your responses. It is clear from your experiences I should try for myself running with the stabilizer up. I have the Shure test record which includes tracks for measuring tonearm resonance and a meter which I can use to compare the results. I'll post them when I get a chance. Regards, hifigeezer
hifigeezer OP
37 posts
 
The cartridge is now installed in an SME 3009 Series 3 tonearm, very low mass with fluid damping and the Dynamic Stabilizer up (not in use). I used the Shure test record and could not observe any visible tonearm/cartridge resonance from 6 to 11 Hz. This suggests that the SME tone arm damping is sufficient. I'll post more when I have updates.
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