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.
how to get the SME 309 tail down-help
Have mounted a shelter 501 on my just- acquired SME 309.The word is set the arm tail down for this cartridge but I can't find a way to do that. I start with the tonearm level while the stylus is on the record-as per the SME instructions- using their template At this point the rear bottom of the tonearm -, which is tapered downwards towards the rear- is about 5mm from the record surface ,which is where SME recommends it to be. If I try to lower the arm from this point I have only 1-2 mm max before I am in danger of the arm touching the record as it traverses it during play. If I had a warped record or thicker record it would likely touch it. I tried putting a mat under the record to raise the catridge end but of course this lowers the pivot end of the arm to a position too close to the record surface, as above.Help please??