SME 312S versus SME V-12

Peter,

Looking around the internet for details on the SME V12 tonearm I came across this image:

http://www.takajun.net/video/111204/11.jpg

I believed one the advantage of the SME V-12 over SME 312S was a solid continuous run of silver tonearm wire from the cartridge clips to DIN connection at the tonearm base.

This image appears to show removable headshell leads, making the electrical connection identical to 312S other than removable headshell aspect.

Opinion?

Sébastien,

I agree about the price difference between the two tonearms.

Other than the removable versus solid head shell and tracking force applied by spring there is little difference, assuming V-12 also has additional breaks between cartridge to DIN.

Still, I wish I knew how much more performance the V-12 offers, it would likely require a side by side comparison.

I'm aware of the 2juki offering on Ebay, I had a bad experience with him selling me counterfeit goods. Cost me quite a lot to get it straight with PayPal.

If another (trustworthy) party had the arm at that price I would likely buy.

Sébastien,

Good to hear my experience was not the norm. While you were considering that purchase I checked the photos of the Cu-180 to verify for you, correct?

I looked at his items for sale, the majority are not super high priced goods, so much less exposure for those buyers than this more than $4K SME.

Peterayer

I apologize for the late response. I just confirmed by looking at my V-12 that indeed it has removable cartridge leads. I wish SME would dispense with these but I assume it is an attempt to save the customer some money if he breaks them at the cartridge connection, ie saving him the trouble and expense of an entire arm rewire.

I thought that same thing, it's easy to loose a headshell clip or break a wire and shipping back the arm would indeed be a major hassle. Still, I was hoping to reduce connections, that could be a performance advantage.

I do prefer the dynamic balance as I've mentioned in that other thread.

Your comment on that subject is the primary reason I'm chasing the V12. I'm still pursuing the dream and will decide after I get some quotes and look over my finances.