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What Does It Take To Surpass A SME V?

Thinking about the possibility of searching for a new tonearm. The table is a SOTA Cosmos Eclipse. Cartridge currently in use is a Transfiguration Audio Proteus, and it also looks like I will also have an Ortofon Verismo if a diamond replacement occurs without incident. 

The V is an early generation one but in good condition with no issues. Some folks never thought highly of the arm, others thought it quite capable. So it's a bit decisive. 

The replacement has to be 9 to 10.5 inches. I have wondered if Origin Live is worth exploring? Perhaps a generation old Triplanar from the pre owned market?

 Any thoughts on what are viable choices? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

neonknight
neonknight OP
341 posts
 

I own a SME V on a SOTA Cosmos. Images sent to Alfred point it to being a first generation arm. The question becomes do I sell it and replace it, or keep it as is. I dont think it makes much sense to spend money on a rebuild of it. But that is just my personal leaning. 

bpoletti
1,530 posts
 

I like the Jelco TK-850.  I'm using a 12", but have heard good things about the 9" and 10.5"models.  

This arm is out of production, but worth the search.

lohanimal
659 posts
 

It’s not a simple case always of surpassing so much as better matching. Before selling it - it’s an old V have you consider a quick refurb and rewire? The originals used Van Den Hul - Kondo; Ikeda are well known - Missing Link and Towshend fractal (try the Rock Doc) may be superb choices. 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
12,842 posts
 

Dear @neonknight  : If you are satisfied with the V then stay with, however if it's the first V generation maybe could be fine that be checked for an expert to confirm if it's still in today V operation condition.

 

R.

solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 

Some great ideas presented already, here are two more:

Primary Control Arrow

Glanz MH9bt

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