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SME 20/2 sound problem. Remedy suggestions needed

Dear Readers! I bought SME 20/2 w/V tonearm as an upgrade from my Roksan Xerxes w/SME IV tonearm. I use Denon DL 103R cart, a very good phonostage just in league with Manley Steelhead, amplified in biamping by Primare Integra on high/midrange and Krell KAV250a on bass, Danish Physics DP.02 speakers. Xerxes palyer with very airy big warm soundstage, the vibration bound turntable design (similar in construction to LP12) being compensated by rigidly controlling Krell produced a rhytmical, colourful sound. Lots of so called coloration transformed into big big lively music. Now replacing it with SME 20/2/V arm all life got immediately lost - sound is dry, flat and monochromatic . Could it be that Denon DL 103R does not live up any near to the SME high end purism, or would You rather say that theres no synergy between a very uncoluring and rigid SME deck and Krell which is known as most monochromatic synthetic and sterile sounding amp? Is it possible that given same system and cartridge the difference between Roksan w/ SME IV and SME 20/2 w/V arm could be so startlingly negative towards the SME deck? I read somewhere that SME decks play flat on rock - I listen mostly to rock/metal - but such a vast devastating difference? colours vs no colours, life vs lack of vitality, music vs. synthetic flat sound? Please help with your knowledge, I'd highly appreciate suggestions. thank You!
zbielak

Showing 2 responses by peterayer

peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Zbielak,
Another cartridge I would recommend is the Sumiko Celebration. It was designed using the SME V arm on an SME table. It sounds wonderful and there are many reviews on the net. It can be found used for $1000 or new for about $2000.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Zbielak,
Welcome to Audiogon! I see you are a new member and this thread that you initiated should be a very interesting experience. There will be lots of suggestions. I tend to agree with what others have said. After a big change, one often needs to reexamine previoulsy held beliefs and expectations. After the initial shock of a different sound, be patient and try to figure out what is causing the effect.

I have the SME 10 tt and SME V arm and can tell you that huge gains can be had by experimenting with all of the cartridge/arm set-up variables including whether or not the cartidge is a good match to the arm. I upgraded the arm from the SME 309 and the cartridge from a Sumiko Celebration and each time, the neutrality of the SME platform (table) allowed me to hear the differences very clearly. Then I began to really play with slight changes in VTA, VTF and alignment. You have an excellent table/arm combination.

I sense your frustration. Just try to be patient and enjoy the learning process.
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