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Going from a Gyrodec to a SME 10

Hi all,

I'm thinking about going from my 10 year old Gyrodec to a near new SME 10. Would this be considered step-up in performance or just a different audio reproduction?

Currently my Gyrodec is up to date in specs including latest never connected power supply. Also it has all the Orbe upgrades including platter and using a SME IV arm. The SME would come with a 309 arm.

I'm wanting to swap carts from a mono to stereo frequently so I thought even though I I'd have the choice of arms I'd use the 309 and not keep the IV.

The rest of my system. Using Harbeth SHL5 speakers with a Aussie built KT120 amp into a Aussie built MM stage then a audio Techinca SUT..

Any thoughts would be great..

Thanks all
kensell21

Showing 4 responses by tketcham

tketcham
291 posts
 
The SME 309 headshell is easy to change and allows for relatively easy azimuth adjustments; it's the adjustment of the tonearm height for various cartridge heights that's a pain. I think the SME sliding base is genious for (horizontal) alignment of a cartridge but trying to get fine vertical adjustments in tonearm height for VTA/SRA alignment is cumbersome at best.

You could always add the damping trough and vertical height screw to easily make VTA/SRA adjustments. I've considered spending the money for the convenience.

Regards,
Tom

PS: Is it simply the desire for a change or are there things about the Gyrodec that you find limiting?
tketcham
291 posts
 
Kensell21; if it's just a fortuitous opportunity, then by all means give the SME 10 a try! (It's easy for other people to spend YOUR money. :-)

The height adjustment screw is part of the damping trough assembly. But you're paying for the damping trough when all that's really wanted is height adjustment. (SME, are you listening? Great opportunity for an aftermarket product that would be a hit with all the owners of SME tonearms.)

Your idea of having a single deck with two tonearms is also a great idea. I've considered modifying my Gyro SE to do just that. Much easier than swapping headshells. Well, at least after you've spent the time and trouble modifying the turntable.

Enjoy the journey!
Tom
tketcham
291 posts
 
Peterayer: the height adjustment screw is not available separately from the damping trough. You must have received a special in-house setup from SME.

Regard,
Tom
tketcham
291 posts
 
Peterayer; a correction to my post on the vta screw...
The screw is available separately but you need the damping trough in order to use the screw with the 309. Without the trough assembly there is no threaded insert for the screw. At least that's what all the posts on this topic have been saying and the email reply I got from SME implies. (Maybe they just wanted to sell me the whole FDIV assembly. :-)

I'm going to pull the plastic insert out of the hole in the tonearm plate to see if it does have threads or not.

Regards,
Tom
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