how do you set VTA onthe SME 309 tonearm?

"04-10-15: Mofimadness
Zd542...SME supplies a special wrench for these screws. These are the correct screws to both move the arm forward and back and up and down.

I was a SME dealer for many years and have owned quite a few different SME arms through the years."

I can't quite make out what kind of bolt it is from the pic. (except for the center piece that makes it "tamper proof". Most bolts like this use torx. If it that's the case, he shouldn't have any problems finding a tool. I know Lowes sells them under the kobalt name.

It's a Hexagon Wrench,the same one that is used to balance the tonearm.

I had an SME V. Included in with the arm is a kind of screw driver that fits that screw. The V works the same way as I remember.

From the two pics posted, it looks like a standard hex wrench with a center-drilled hole to let it slip over the tamper-resisting post in the center of the bolt.

If you can't find one online or from an SME dealer, worst case would be to DIY. You'd need a drill press with work clamp and a very hard bit. Any machine shop could do it in about 2 minutes, including the metal shop in the local high school/trade school. Please wear eye protection!

But really, they should be readily available...

You guys are making this way too complicated...

Not sure where audio779 disappeared to, but if he purchased the tonearm new then he already has the proper hex wrench tool. It's the one with the handle like a screwdriver. If he doesn't have the SME tool then a simple 3mm Allen/hex wrench will work. No center drilling required.

Only advantage to the SME tool is that it has rounded corners for convenience in fitting (and turning) the wrench in the bolt heads. SME (UK) or Acoustic Sounds (USA) or Flat Earth Audio (USA) would be glad to sell him a replacement.

Regards,
Tom