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Going from a Gyrodec to a SME 10

Hi all,

I'm thinking about going from my 10 year old Gyrodec to a near new SME 10. Would this be considered step-up in performance or just a different audio reproduction?

Currently my Gyrodec is up to date in specs including latest never connected power supply. Also it has all the Orbe upgrades including platter and using a SME IV arm. The SME would come with a 309 arm.

I'm wanting to swap carts from a mono to stereo frequently so I thought even though I I'd have the choice of arms I'd use the 309 and not keep the IV.

The rest of my system. Using Harbeth SHL5 speakers with a Aussie built KT120 amp into a Aussie built MM stage then a audio Techinca SUT..

Any thoughts would be great..

Thanks all
kensell21
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
2,678 posts
 
Looks like an upgrade to me! I think you will like the 309 arm since you want to swap out cartridges frequently! Just remember that the spare headshells for the 309 are now $250.I paid $50 about ten years ago.
kensell21 OP
4 posts
 
Hi yogiboy,

Thanks for your reply. I think it would be an upgrade changing decks.
Yes I know that the price of the headshells aren't cheap. That's way I thought I'd ask the community here what others thoughts were..

I've also been told that changing headshells on the 309 isn't as easy as it perhaps should be..

I've contacted SME who were really good in their replay.. One of the questions I asked them was why the built a arm these day with the removable headshell, their reply was that's what a a lot of customers want...
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
2,678 posts
 
Hi Kensell21.
The headshell is very simple to remove,just follow the instructions and you will have no problem! SME has been making tonearms for over sixty years and if a removable headshell was a problem they would not make it!
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
2,678 posts
 
BTW,there is a new 309 headshell on Ebay for $119,grab it if it is still there!
tketcham
267 posts
 
The SME 309 headshell is easy to change and allows for relatively easy azimuth adjustments; it's the adjustment of the tonearm height for various cartridge heights that's a pain. I think the SME sliding base is genious for (horizontal) alignment of a cartridge but trying to get fine vertical adjustments in tonearm height for VTA/SRA alignment is cumbersome at best.

You could always add the damping trough and vertical height screw to easily make VTA/SRA adjustments. I've considered spending the money for the convenience.

Regards,
Tom

PS: Is it simply the desire for a change or are there things about the Gyrodec that you find limiting?
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