Michell Gyro SE and SME V combination

[stereophile]

... for a few more pennies they could have supplied a plastic more robust version, one that preferably doesn't have an indent for the stylus. That makes me nervous as I always imagine I will move the platter back when the stylus is down in that indent

I usually apply a 2pcs DIY rubber wedges between the platter & chassis/plinth to prevent accidental movement of the platter. As an additional protection, I place the cardboard SME template on top of an old record so that if the platter should move accidentally, the template with the stylus in the indent will glide easily.

[Bigears]

I echo Alabama's grip regarding the card protractor but intend to laminate mine between two thin sheets of perspex and drill a hole for the mount. That way you dont need to cut the perspex to profile and it saves the card version from deteriorating. Total cost is pennies. Another tip is to sandwich a thin polished aluminium strip between the perspex at the stylus end which helps adjust azimuth as its clear if the headshell is canted even if only slightly.

I do wonder sometimes why the 309 couldn't have come with the same protractor as the IV or V as its not exactly an inexpensive arm at close to 1000 GBP. Never have problems with the platter moving as in theory this only needs adjustment to get the alignment right.

Those niggles aside, I think that the Michell decks and SME 309/IV/V are one of the all time classic combinations that work so well together. Alabama is pleased with his Benz fitted to the 309, I'm smitten by how well the Dynavector LO DV20x works but it did take 100 hours or so to fully come up with the goods, but I'm glad I waited with patience as it is a cracking match, neutral, great dynamic range and separation. It seems to me that carts are a bit like cars. We tend to go with brand loyalty once we've hit on one we like. The Dyna Karat will be on my shopping list once the DV has sung its last in several years time.

Very satisfying to finally reach the point where the system synergy is all there and one can finally settle to enjoy the music. The Gyro/309 combo is in no small way partly responsible for that.

[Werner]

I do wonder sometimes why the 309 couldn't have come with the same protractor as the IV or V as its not exactly an inexpensive arm .

I have a IV and it came with a cardboard protractor. Bought it 8 years ago or so.

[jandre]

Hi,

With regard to the cartridge - I would suggest a Blue Angel Mantis - I heard it on a SME V arm on a Thorens Reference - one musical experience that I will never forget.

[Blue Angel]

Hello

Alabama has raised a serious matter, well worth thinking about. The indent or stylus hole in protractors. This makes me equally nervous. In fact, I go further and never drop the cue lever when aligning a cart. Fortunately, I should like to think I have a 'straight' eye. I have never denuded a cantilever by dropping it in the hole but, you never know.

blue

[Alabama978]

I have a IV and it came with a cardboard protractor. Bought it 8 years ago or so.

Werner you are correct.

I looked back at my email that SME sent me and they stated the V has the plastic protractor. I thought the IV also had it but apparently not.

Blue Angel,

I have now covered the indent with a tiny piece of drafting tape (like sellotape only matt but still transparent). I decided one nudge accidentally could shunt the cantilever forward and bang

I can't afford to wreck the Benz Ace! I compared my El Cheapo Digital scales with the Shure styus gauge last weekend and the little Shure was so accurate. It was during this exercise I decide to check alignment and hence the modified SME protractor.

[hakancez]

What do you think of this combo?

Reason why I ask about it is because,I have had about 3 years
this Michell Gyro SE and SME2-9 tonearm with Benz Micro ACE H cartridge.
A friend of mine told me,that SME V is too heavy for my Michell.

If there is anybody who plays records with this combo,please let me
know,what do you like about it.

This is my first message in this forum,so please be gentle .

Great combination. I'm have an old Gyrodec (MkIII) with SME V and i'm using a Bluenote Boboli Signature cartridge.

[Richard_P]

A couple of weeks ago I've upgraded my Gyro. I replaced the original Michel (Rega) RB300 arm and now have a Gyro and SME V combination. I'm still using my "old" Sumiko Blue Point cartridge. An other cartridge is likely to be the next upgrade, but first enjoy playing some records with this combination.

[CHIBA280]

Hello friend , i was going to ask the same question about the SME V and Gyro SE combo. I purchased both items recently and have not gotten around to assemble it. Working the aftermath of the storm out here in New York City has taken away all my time the last 40 some what days. I will be getting around to installing it soon. I am glad to read , all the good advice you have received along with your outlook on the combo.I am glad it looks like i made a good choice. Now the next question is should i also add a second arm i have,which is a RB300? I will be using a Sumiko Evo 3 cartridge with the SME V ARM , do not know if that was the right choice , given what i had left over after purchasing the combo!Oh yeah i am new to the Analog (expensive)hobby, so if anyone can give me there opinion on this matter, please do. Thanks Much Fellows Enjoy!

[Brianev]

Hi bowler,

I wish you many happy hours of listening!

I have the SME 309 and Benz Micro ACE. I have mentioned this before but I repeat it here as it is my personal experience of setting up the Benz on the 309.

I found the Benz Ace a lovely sounding cart and listened for several days after my basic set up on the Gyro. Once curiousity got the better of me or the urge to twiddle got too much I began to make very small adjustments to the VTA. At one point the affect was very dramatic and the Benz started to really sing. Of course maybe this is so with all carts but it's my experience with the 309/Benz and I would suggest you make the tiniest of changes and listen. Mine is just a tiny fraction down at the rear of the arm. If I am not mistaken I read somewhere if you are very careful you can actually adjust the SME V when listening.

Be very careful though

One gripe I have about the 309 and I voiced it to the design team at SME. Why do they not provide the plastic protractor as in the V. It's a shame to only supply a card version with such a high quality and beautifully engineered arm.

TIP - the mounting screws that hold the armboard to the sub chassis, just nip them up until they are tight but not over-tight as it sounds better if the are just lightly tightened. The O rings on top of the black spacers should not be completely squashed as they damp the armboard. Before Michell updated this part people used Blue Tack on the spacers.

Hi Alabama, can you tell me what size stand offs you have on your Gyro. From the mounting plate to the turntable. I have 10mm, with the O ring inside it. It wasn't chosen for my 309, as it was used originally with my Rega arm. Just wondering if this is the correct size? I know I can adjust the arm up/down and have heard that arm can have a better adjustment on lower stand offs?
Thanks
Brian

[albertan]

As your arm and electrical leads are used, get some contact cleaner and thoroughly clean every electrical surface. It doesn't have to meet NASA specification, it just has to clean up the contact surfaces.