Going from a Gyrodec to a SME 10

I have never heard the Gyrodec, so I can't offer advice about the upgrade.
However, I did own an SME Model 10 for eight years before going up the SME
line. I started with the 309, then the 9" V and now own the V-12.

I too think the sliding base is fantastic for horizontal tracking angle adjustment
or overhang, and I used to think the VTA screw and adjusting arm height was
cumbersome at best. However, I started to experiment with different SRA
settings and I have become fairly adept at unlocking the base and making tiny
height adjustments. I now find it worth the effort for the considerable
improvements in sonics. However, I don't then readjust overhang or VTF for
different VTA.

Remember, raising or lowering the height of the standard 9" arm by 4 mm
results in a 1 degree SRA change. I alter the height by as little as 1-2 mm
depending on the LP. This is between 1/4 and 1/2 of one degree SRA. And with
my new 12" V12, it is even less. A 1mm height change means about a 3/4
rotation of the VTA screw. That's a lot. Imagine how tiny a height change or
SRA change you can get from a 1/4 turn of the VTA screw. The threads aren't as
fine as with some other arms, but, the screw is removable and you are left with a
superior rigidly locked arm base. Some feel the cantilevered/offset arm tower
allowing for relatively convenient VTA adjustment compromises the rigidity of
the arm structure. Durand changed precisely this with their top of the line Telos
arm.

The only problem is that there are no calibration marks on the SME arm for
height. I used to think that one needed a Graham or TriPlanar or Durand for
easy VTA/SRA adjustment, but now I feel the SME is almost as easy. You just
have to get used to the process. And for calibration, I use the SME scale on the
protractor measuring from the top surface of the arm board to the bottom
surface of the extension for the arm rest. The range is from 16 mm to 19mm for
my collection of LPs.

I think the removable headshell is fine for cartridge swapping and azimuth
adjustment, but I never did that with my 309. (I also did not install the finger lift
for any of my SME arms). If you swap cartridges, you should keep and use the
309, but if you use only one cartridge, I would use your IV arm.

Also check to see if the motor controller with the Model 10 has speed
adjustability. Mine did not and the speed was very slightly fast, so I replaced
belts often. I think the new motor controllers are adjustable.

You will enjoy the SME table.

Hi Yogiboy and Tketcham,

Thanks for your replies. You both seem to believe that changing over headshells would be easy although I had this reply on another forum site..

"I have used both the 309 and the 312. In terms of ease in removing headshells from the wand for cartridge swapping, I give them a fail. The recessed allen screw needs to be fully removed to get the headshell off. The head of the screw is smooth sided, and when unscrewed from the captive nut at the bottom (more about that in a second), only pokes up a couple of mm from the headshell. It's hard to grab even with tweezers. I ended up putting a dab of blu-tak in the hex and using the allen key to pull it out. I seem to recall that I needed to glue the captive nut at the bottom, too."

The actual carts I have, a Benz micro wood SL stereo and a Benz micro ace mono. Although from the same manufacturer, there maybe slight differences to re just when changing between the two. I do also have a Denon 103 modded by ESC which from time to time might go on.. But I'd mainly want to change between mono and stereo..

As to the damping trough and vertical height screw. Does the height screw come with the damping trough? I contacted SME about the trough, they didn't believe it was essential as they thought most modern carts had sufficient dampening..

Tom, as far as the desire for change of TT. I bought the Gyrodec new after a couple of overseas telephone calls with John Michell himself when he was still alive.. I couldn't have met a nicer person.. So I have a bit of loyalty to it.. However I have a small legacy and with a sale of the Gyrodec have this opportunity to purchase the SME 10.. In fact I have two 10's to choose from. One has the 309 arm, the other is without a arm. Both less than 3 years old. So is the Gyrodec limiting?? Interesting word... Probably not.. I wouldn't know if the SME would be an improvement unless I could have a home demo. This might give me a better idea but isn't possible at this stage... . I could use my meagre funds in another area of my system...

I wasn't going to expand too much the thread but I should add that I also have a Garrard 401 in a nice jarrah plinth with a 12" Jelco arm with the older SME removable headshell. :)

So Tom, I was considering consolidating TTs, perhaps even selling the Garrard, that's why I considered the SME with the 309 arm. Or just sell the Gyrodec and not buy the SME. keep the Garrard and perhaps get a "better" arm? It also has a removable arm board so I can change arms.. Instead of changing arms I'm even thinking of putting a second arm on it to carry the mono cart.. I know, I'm spoilt for choices but who said audio was easy :)

Peterayer, thanks for your detailed input.. It's sounds as you have got your changes down pat.. However I'm not sure I'd be as capable even with practice..

Thanks All.

I had the same problem with my 309. Just a dab of crazy glue to make the nut permanent so it stays in place fixed the problem. No big deal!

As a former Gorbe/SME IV owner, I'm not sure this is an upgrade. I have heard the 10 in a limited listening session and I found it to be quite a bit dryer than the Mitchell. If you are looking for an upgrade in some area of the presentation, or overall, perhaps you should look into a new arm. I eventually replaced my SME IV with a Moerch DP6 and was thrilled.... but there are so many other great arms out there as well. That would be my approach. It's all about fit so maybe get the SME 10 and some other arm for the Mitchell and do your own comparison and sell the loser....

Dear Kensell21: IMHO there is no real improvement down there but a different presentation.

I think that you can change your IV for a non-SME tonearm or a better cartridge or a better phono stage if you want a real improvement.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.