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SME V setup

FWIW:

I discovered recently (after acquiring a new DB cartridge alignment protractor,) that using the factory provided alignment tool (for the SME V anyway) produced results that were really just a close approximation.

After doing a precision alignment/overhang adjustment on my just-broken-in-after-100-hours Transfiguration Temper W, (and without changing any other setup parameters) the soundstage and the placement of instruments and soloists, gained a quantum leap in performance that I was totally unprepared for.

I'm sure some of you are going "Well, Duh!" But the kicker is, that I had been informed at CES, by one of the senior management people with a well known audio accessories vendors (no names) that sells DB alignment tools, that I shouldn't waste my money on one, because the tool that came with the SME was more accurate! Go figure.....

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nsgarch

Showing 1 response by jfrech

jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
I've fiddled with my SME IV.Vi a bunch. I'm using a Lyra Helicon. I can hear differences in VTA, Anti-skate, and tracking force. Pretty much just set it all close...and then expirament by ear. What I haven't done is go back and check overhang with a Wally tractor or your protractor. Makes sense to me.

I think the SME gauge gets things perfect assuming the cantilever is perfect inside the cartridge body...the protractor and wally tools get the more important thing right (cantilever alignement)

Do you use the damping trough? I don't hear much change by raising lowering the needle/paddle...
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