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Swopping cartridges

74.15.20.17
Posted on November 7, 2009 at 21:42:08
vetmedrobert@gmail.com
Audiophile

Posts: 145
Location: Ontario
Joined: September 20, 2007
 I have a Michell Tecnodek with a Rega arm, and of course appropriate arm board. The only other arm board available from Michell is for SME arms. I'd like to be able to switch cartridges fairly easily so an arm with inter-changeable head-shell would be very nice. So, an arm with those criteria that will fit either the Rega arm board or an SME board? Something appropriate to the deck, can't afford SME 309. Suggestions? or does such an animal exist? TIA

swApping cartridges, posted on November 7, 2009 at 23:15:52
hifitommy
Audiophile

Posts: 9513
Location: shaky sylmar calif, orig from buffalo ny
Joined: June 9, 2000
 SME currently makes arms that have detachable headshells. they are NOT the universal type but proprietary to sme. its rather an expense but the option is there.

otherwise i might be looking at a new armboard that will accept one of the jelco arms now available (for much less than the SMEs) and get a jelco arm. there is a guy on audiogon selling them regularly. or a used MMT (also a jelco product) might do the job for even less.

...regards...tr

RE: swApping cartridges, posted on November 7, 2009 at 23:29:15
vetmedrobert@gmail.com
Audiophile

Posts: 145
Location: Ontario
Joined: September 20, 2007
 I have heard good things about the Jelco arms but what I wonder is will they fit either of the arm boards available to my deck? Or will I have to conduct surgery on an armboard to get the Jelco to fit?. Guess I will have to investigate dimensions etc. Was hoping someone knew, just being lazy I guess.

RE: swApping cartridges, posted on November 7, 2009 at 23:51:10
vetmedrobert@gmail.com
Audiophile

Posts: 145
Location: Ontario
Joined: September 20, 2007
 A little investigation reveals that a Jelco 370 H has the same stylus to pivot distance as a Rega but of course the arm pillars are radically different in dimensions. The diameter of the Jelco is 16 mm and that of the Rega is 25 mm, add a couple of mm to accomodate the Michell VTA adaptor and you are looking at ~ 28mm. Any suggestions on how to make a hole smaller?

RE: "add a couple of mm to accomodate the Michell VTA adaptor ", posted on November 8, 2009 at 02:48:14
1973shovel
Audiophile

Posts: 2364
Location: Greenville SC
Joined: February 25, 2007
Contributor
  Since: June 17, 2009
 You shouldn't need the VTA adapter. The Jelco has adjustable VTA.

You could use two washers, one above and one below, to compensate for the smaller diameter arm pillar. Just make sure they are flat. I would imagine the typical hardware store washer isn't the last word in tight tolerances.

RE: Swopping cartridges, posted on November 7, 2009 at 23:01:19
Bjerager
Audiophile

Posts: 218
Location: Copenhagen
Joined: February 11, 2005
 Well an old SME 3009 sounds like the right choice for you - og a moerch maybe...

RE: Swopping cartridges, posted on November 7, 2009 at 23:19:49
vetmedrobert@gmail.com
Audiophile

Posts: 145
Location: Ontario
Joined: September 20, 2007
 Yes, there are 3 SME 3009 on ebay right now. Will the Moerch fit a Rega board or SME. Always wanted to try a uni-pivot.

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