To offset the negative comment above, I have had two tonearms completely rebuilt by Alfred of SME Canada and everything was done properly and promptly. I found him personable and easy to work with too.
SME service is terrible. Can’t buy any accessories from local dealers here in USA
Talk about a pain in the … I’m trying to get a basic setup tool for my 309 arm a HTA key to adjust the horizontal tracking. I found out SME doesn’t allow dealers to sell any accessories or parts for their turntables and arms. WTF! This means if you need a common replacement part like belt your looking at 2 weeks for the part to arrive.
Not only that but shipping from the UK isn’t cheap. Who ever at SME made this bone headed decision at SME needs to fired or better yet, something worse!
Not only that but shipping from the UK isn’t cheap. Who ever at SME made this bone headed decision at SME needs to fired or better yet, something worse!
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This thread has re-appeared due to the post above this (which has been removed). I'll add that Analogue Seduction sells SME parts, including oil, damping fluid and the HTA key, or an e-mail to Elaine Wratten at SME (sales@sme.ltd.uk) will also get a quick response. However, that key is a ludicrous price (currently £47.98) so I would suggest a torx driver from the local hardware shop would be better, if you can find a fit, as it is a non-standard size. The SME key is 3mm from point to opposite point, which is between a T10 (2.74mm) and a T15 (3.27mm). |
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PMI parts are as expensive as manuals. This is the key you need if you want to buy the original. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203565369427?hash=item2f65710853:g:0fIAAOSwoERhHCok |
^ Be careful when dealingl with SME Tonearms of Canada. See previous discussions. Audiogon Discussion Forum |
The HTA key is keyed similarly to a T6 torx.AFAIK its either a torx or not a torx which is very specific in design. Add a centre protrusion and its an anti theft torx add or take away will call it a finger, and it's another brand with a different name Lets all agree manufacturers don't make fasteners and anything not made in the U.S. is probably metric excluding U.K. built vintage cars and bikes. |
The 0.89mm Allen wrench is for adjustment of the cueing arm-lift mechanism. The HTA key is keyed similarly to a T6 torx. Make sure (as mentioned in the instructions) that the base clamp bolts are sufficiently lose to allow fore/aft “HTA” movement without binding. A 3mm ball tip Allen wrench is perfect for base clamp bolts. |
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Try this guy; http://www.smetonearms.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=2 |