SME 20/2 & SME V - adding a 2nd arm

jamesg11 · « **on:** 14 Nov 2015, 05:05 pm »

New to this used SME deck & arm. Wondering what thoughts are on somehow incorporating another arm, mainly for my mono collection?

neobop · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Nov 2015, 12:03 am »

Hi JamesG11,
Nowhere to put it on the plinth. On a pod is the usual way. Scrool down here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=88878.msg1473409#new

Depending on your set up maybe something like this:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=137258.20

neo

jamesg11 · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Nov 2015, 09:02 am »

Thanks neo, steep learning curve for me here, but I do have access to a problem-solving tech who lives vinyl. I can feed him any ideas that I pick up. BTW, he's not into sme, but he is belt drive oriented & knows phono stages & carts.

So, terminology - this is an 'outrigger' arm, to be mounted on a 'pod' ... somehow ... (& it has to get past the domestic inspection!). I can look into a 12" arm, best for mono, but makes sense to have removable headshell. Also, been looking into hints for optimising the sme setup eg. adjusting suspension bands, your suggestion to reduce damping fluid, etc. Anything of this ilk would be greatly appreciated.

neobop · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 Nov 2015, 11:02 am »

Yes, domestic inspection - Aesthetic approval including form, space, and beauty factor. I don't know what your set up is or looks like, but sometimes you can help yourself by pretending to consult on aesthetic considerations for planned changes.

"Snookums, I'm thinking of putting a base under the turntable, and I'm wondering if you could help select a finish." That could work. If you don't tell her the new base is going to be 160mm deeper to accommodate the second arm behind the table, at least she will be expecting a new base.

Tonearm mounting distance ranges from about 211mm to 290mm. That's spindle to center of mounting hole. Of course you have to accommodate the arm base and cable. There should be no movement possible between pod and platter. Recommended arms with removable headshell start with Jelco 750, 9, 10, and 12" versions. SME has M2R, 9 and 12" at about 4X the price. There are used arms of course.
neo

jamesg11 · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Nov 2015, 04:23 pm »

You're indeed well versed in waf lore then!

Initially running graham slee phono pre & shelter 501 III (cu of 9 - sme v is high mass?). Naquadria passive pre & power (lucien/supremacy mix). Elac 249BEs, modded.

It's a lounge / living room, 4mx5m opened into both dining & rest of place, carpeted, solid brick walls.