how to get the SME 309 tail down-help
rrm, just set it where SME recommends and forget about it. People who think they can hear the difference in a couple of degrees VTA or SRA are IMHO psychotic (they are hallucinating). There are so many variables that you can not control or account for. Read this
https://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/vta_e.html. Set your arm up like SME recommends and be happy with your new arm. It is a nice one. Happy listening:) Mike |
Not familiar with the mechanics of your arm but it seems you might need a cartridge spacer between your headshell and cartridge. Maybe someone will chim in on where you can get these or make your own, after installing it you will have to raise the back of your arm to obtain level and in effect give you the room you need to work with. Enjoy the music |
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I use this SME spacer! You can also put a nut between the headshell screw to lower the cartridge. It's a lot cheaper than that SME spacer! https://www.analogueseduction.net/headshell-leads-cartridge-fitting-essentials/sme-cartridge-spacer.... |
It sounds like your playing with VTA and that should not be set by the arm manufactures guide lines you should set it to the specific cart your using ( spacer if needed) the height of the back of the arm raising or lowering will affect the stylus angle in the grove you want this to be approx. 3 degrees so set the height based on the stylus angle, this can be also set by listening I'd google VTA set up and adjust the rear height as needed. Also keep in mind adding a spacer will add weight to the effective mass and will also effect resonance frequency of the arm cart system, in your case this could be helpful. Looking at https://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_resonance_evaluator_results.php?m=Shelter+501&cm=8.1&d... I'm thinking your really close to being in the bad resonance frequency range putting that cart on the SME 309, google shows 9.5 grams effective mass that's not in the happy range for resonance. I hope I've made a mistake here on my search for numbers and your ok but please double check. Glen |
Thanks to all for the suggestions.I will look into a spacer. Glen: you are right about the resonant frequency calculation showing it to be too high for this combo. Nonetheless the 309 is recommended as especially suitable for low compliance cartridges such as the Shelter.I will try adding some weight to the headshell.That should bring the number down even though it won't solve my tonearm down issue. |
