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SME IV To V Upgrade, Worth It?

What is your experience upgrading from a SME IV to V Tonearm, did you find a noticeable difference? I realize SME no longer sell the model V, so second hand is the only option now. Rest of the system is, Michell Engineering GyroDec TT (full plinth, not the SE version) with an SME IV tonearm and Clear Audio Maestro V2 Ebony cartridge. Preamp is a McIntosh C52, McIntosh MC312 power amp and Magico A5 speakers.

mgattmch

Showing 2 responses by lohanimal

lohanimal
659 posts
 

I’m curious as to what are the exact differences

lohanimal
659 posts
 

@dover 

Thanks for the clarification.

On that basis I agree with the upgrade path. As a Townshend user - a damping trough works at the head-shell - not the base of the arm. As to. the calibration - i assume having a toolset overcomes that issue?

I know that the V was conceived to mount MC's that became popular in the early 80's. Funny thing was that it didn't work on Linn Sondeks that were popularised as the greatest turntables ever. 

Les Wong who owned Walrus Systems rated the Breure higher on which the Sumiko MDC800 and now Brinkmann is based. That said I think they were a pain because the end-weight limited the cartridges that worked with it. Anyway I digress.

I'd upgrade 

 

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