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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
dhcod
397 posts
 
As a former Gorbe/SME IV owner, I'm not sure this is an upgrade. I have heard the 10 in a limited listening session and I found it to be quite a bit dryer than the Mitchell. If you are looking for an upgrade in some area of the presentation, or overall, perhaps you should look into a new arm. I eventually replaced my SME IV with a Moerch DP6 and was thrilled.... but there are so many other great arms out there as well. That would be my approach. It's all about fit so maybe get the SME 10 and some other arm for the Mitchell and do your own comparison and sell the loser....
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rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Kensell21: IMHO there is no real improvement down there but a different presentation.

I think that you can change your IV for a non-SME tonearm or a better cartridge or a better phono stage if you want a real improvement.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
tketcham
267 posts
 
Kensell21; if it's just a fortuitous opportunity, then by all means give the SME 10 a try! (It's easy for other people to spend YOUR money. :-)

The height adjustment screw is part of the damping trough assembly. But you're paying for the damping trough when all that's really wanted is height adjustment. (SME, are you listening? Great opportunity for an aftermarket product that would be a hit with all the owners of SME tonearms.)

Your idea of having a single deck with two tonearms is also a great idea. I've considered modifying my Gyro SE to do just that. Much easier than swapping headshells. Well, at least after you've spent the time and trouble modifying the turntable.

Enjoy the journey!
Tom
peterayer
1,373 posts
 
The SME 309 arm that came with my Model 10A did not have a damping trough, but it did have the VTA setting screw. I once removed the damping trough on my SME V arm for cleaning purposes, and the VTA setting screw was not a part of that assembly. I think the VTA screw and the damping trough are independent.

Tketcham, Are you describing a different arm?
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
2,678 posts
 
That is an option on the 309 arm!
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