Going from a Gyrodec to a SME 10

Tkecham, Perhaps I was not clear enough in my previous post. The VTA height
adjustment screw has been an integral part of each the three SME arms I have
owned, the 309, the V and the V-12. The damping trough was not included with
the 309 but it is available as an option.

To my knowledge, the VTA screw comes standard with all of these arms. The
damping trough can be purchased separately as an option. The VTA screw is not
an option and the screw is not part of the damping trough assembly.

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.

The SME 309 arm that came with my Model 10A did not have a damping trough, but it did have the VTA setting screw. I once removed the damping trough on my SME V arm for cleaning purposes, and the VTA setting screw was not a part of that assembly. I think the VTA screw and the damping trough are independent.

Tketcham, Are you describing a different arm?

Tketcham, I just thought of something. A rather fine point, but it may make a difference to the discussion. My 309 was modified and included with my SME Model 10A turntable package. I was under the impression that this was simply a 309 painted with the #10 on it for this package. It may in fact be different from the standard 309 arm. What I remember is that it had the VTA screw like all of my other arms for height adjustment and it did not include the damping trough which I considered buying later as an option. I upgraded to the V arm instead.