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systemdek, sumiko arm, ??? cartridge

hi,
I have a systemdek IIx table with some arm with "Profile" in white letters on it. The arm is straight and I think it is a Sumiko; any information appreciated on if I am correct (or if not) and how to set it up.

Also, there is a cartridge with "bx150e" printed in white letters. The housing is shiny black plastic but I cannot find any MFR name. It does not appear that the stylus can be removed but I am not 100% certain.

Any input is appreciated.
c123666
twl
3,251 posts
 
The Profile arm is the one that came fitted to the TT. It was a package system. The arm is from Japan, and may be a Sumiko. I don't know what the cartridge is.

The first thing you should do is either inspect the cartridge or replace it. A Goldring cartridge would be a good match at a reasonable price.

Get a cartridge alignment tool at Turntablebasics.com and make sure that you align the cart properly.

Balance the tonearm with the cartridge installed, and then apply the tracking force and anti-skate as suggested by the cartridge mfr.

I am assuming that the TT works alright, and the belt and motor are keeping speed.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
TWL is correct, the Profile is the Systemdek arm. Manufactured for them in Japan by the same company that built the Sumiko, Audioquest, SOTA, AR, etc. arms. Check the bearings as these arms sometimes had a lot of slop. The Goldring would be a great choice as would the MM Ortofon cartridges but my favorite is the Shure V15VxMR.
Marty
c123666 OP
871 posts
 
Can this Sumiko arm be removed and a rb300 installed with no modification? It looks like the same size mounting cylinder. The cartridge on it is a moving coil, high output; model number bk150e (shiny black plastic). We took a look at it under a magnifying glass and it is only about 25% worn.

thanks,
Carl
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