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Silly turntable question

(The question, not the TT!)

I'm assembling a turntable setup, slowly over time.
At this point I have an SP-10 with the factory
obsidian plinth/cover. I have a new SME-V for it
that I bought about 6 years ago (I did say slowly). It's
not even set up yet, let alone having been listened to.

Now, I've gotten the idea in my head that I want a 12-inch
arm instead, the SME-312. THAT would mean selling the
obsidian plinth and buying something custom, as well as
buying the new arm.

I'm willing to admit that I must surely have some mental
quirk to want this change, untested.

Even so, I humbly ask you, what could I expect soundwise
if I followed through with this proposed upgrade ?
Subtle improvements ? How subtle ?
Or, should I just be happy with what I have ?

Speakers are DIY custom built, amps are Brystons,
listening room is way too small.

"Do you think I'll be happy ?" What a question.
noslepums
aigenga
130 posts
 
Getting the TT up and running is just the starting point for a many year tuning and tweaking process. You will have many ups and downs doing this - get started. The length of the tonearm is not the most important aspect of good vinyl sound.

Gary
aigenga
130 posts
 
Getting the TT up and running is just the starting point for a many year tuning and tweaking process. You will have many ups and downs doing this - get started. The length of the tonearm is not the most important aspect of good vinyl sound.

Gary
manitunc
795 posts
 
I suspect that a change to a 12" arm will be subtle, and not necessarily for the better. Depends on the cartridge you use.
peterayer
1,373 posts
 
I agree with those who suggest that you simply get started. However, to answer one of your questions: there is quite a difference between the 9" and 12" SME arms. I spent two weeks directly comparing the SME V to the SME V-12 on an SME 30/12 table using the same cartridge and cable.

Moving up to the 12" arm was like going from a highly resolving two-way compact speaker to a three-driver, three-way floor standing speaker. Extension and weight improved as expected. But unlike with some such speaker changes, there was absolutely no less coherence or sense of balance. There was just more information presented in a cleaner and clearer way and there seemed to be less distortion. IMO, well worth the cost to upgrade.

But changing the plinth and selling your unused SME V just to accommodate a new 12" arm may be more hassle and expense than it's worth right now. Check your priorities, get started, and join the fun.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
IMHO, the Panasonic obsidian base does not sound that great. My recommendation, first if you have a regular SP-10, sell both it and the base and get an SP-10 MK2. There is no comparison here. Make, or buy a nice Baltic birch ply plinth, or if it's in the budget, go slate. All of the above is going to be better bang for the buck than a 12" arm. But if you have the dosh left, go 12". As my mistress says, size does matter.
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