2. analog
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Silly turntable question

(The question, not the TT!)

I'm assembling a turntable setup, slowly over time.
At this point I have an SP-10 with the factory
obsidian plinth/cover. I have a new SME-V for it
that I bought about 6 years ago (I did say slowly). It's
not even set up yet, let alone having been listened to.

Now, I've gotten the idea in my head that I want a 12-inch
arm instead, the SME-312. THAT would mean selling the
obsidian plinth and buying something custom, as well as
buying the new arm.

I'm willing to admit that I must surely have some mental
quirk to want this change, untested.

Even so, I humbly ask you, what could I expect soundwise
if I followed through with this proposed upgrade ?
Subtle improvements ? How subtle ?
Or, should I just be happy with what I have ?

Speakers are DIY custom built, amps are Brystons,
listening room is way too small.

"Do you think I'll be happy ?" What a question.
noslepums
noslepums OP
22 posts
 
It is a Mk-II I think, it has the separate power supply
and speed control display.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Noslepums, My post above was written under the assumption that the 12" SME arm you are contemplating is the SME 312S, though you wrote "312". The 312S is a new generation magnesium arm based on the SME IV. It differs from the V-12 by having a removable headshell (convenient for cartridge swapping and azimuth adj.) and by also having dynamic VTF adjustment. For me, the latter is more important than the former, but for others, maybe not. I'm not familiar with the 312.

Albert Porter has the 312S arm and is getting a V-12 for comparison. I've never heard the 312S. I agree with everyone else that the length of your arm should be of a lower priority to others for getting started. Set up what you have and enjoy some records. Then go from there.

If you follow Raul's advice for a nude SP10 with an arm on an arm pod, then switching to a 12" arm later should not be an issue besides adjusting for the new alignment. Have some fun.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Some of you have given me powerful arguements for further thinking...........;)
ROFLMAO!!! I'd hire you to fix my car... if I had a spare car.
pocketchange
19 posts
 
If you are at the point of having something (anything) to enjoy vinyl..
plug in and go from there. Dream as you go, the old saying "a bird in hand is worth two in the bush" comes to mind.
The best thing about vinyl is the listening.. on anything.
steveaudio
331 posts
 
Years ago I bought a new Rega P25 from a guy who'd bought it only a few weeks before & never even taken it out of the box. He said he was selling it to buy a way more expensive TT.

I never understood that--selling something that nice that he'd never listened to. BTW I loved the P25 & the Benz Glider he included in the sale.....of course I also spent much time finding the right phono stage, buying a record-cleaning machine, etc.
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