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Sumiko FT-3 Tonearm issues

71.204.227.42
Posted on May 9, 2021 at 15:00:49
Ross
Audiophile

Posts: 1814
Joined: January 24, 2000
 I recently acquired a Sumiko Premiere FT-3 tonearm. I figured out mounting, securing and adjusting. However I have questions about issues that may indicate I also have problems to consider.

1) If the arm post securing screw is tight enough to firmly secure the arm, I can not use the VTA adjustment collar. Should VTA adjustment be available when the arm is in use, or should this be a static adjustment only available when the securing screw is backed off ?

2) There is play in the arm tube and bearing housing- the assembly can be rotated from side to side for a few mm along its axis. I don't think this is normal. Is it possible to adjust the arm bearings ?

3) When looked at from the side, it appears that the counterweight stub hangs at a downward angle from the arm and bearing assembly. Is this correct ?

Thanks !

 

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RE: Sumiko FT-3 Tonearm issues, posted on May 9, 2021 at 16:26:40
Tre'
Industry Professional

Posts: 17296
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: February 9, 2002


There should be no play in the bearings that you can see or feel.

"CAUTION! If care is taken, on certain turntables the VTA can be adjusted while the record is playing. However, the VTA locking set screw on the mounting base should only be loosened or tightened when the stylus is off the record. The user must determine if he/she can adjust the VTA during play with their turntable. Sumiko, Inc. will not be responsible for styli or cantilevers damaged by users making VTA adjustments during play. Adjustments of the VTA during play is useful only if your turntable is located at your listening position or if it can be adjusted by an assistant while you listen to the results. (Note: Using a spouse or friend to help you set the VTA while you listen can jeopardize your relationship with that person.) If you can not be in a position to accurately judge the results of your adjustments, to assure the safety of your stylus and cantilever, always make VTA adjustments with the stylus off the record. The elevation screw should be turned 1/4 to 1/2 turn at a time before listening for the results. The VTA is adjusted by using the elevation adjustment tool. This tool is a 3 mm hex key with a knob attached to it. Cue stylus off of the record or lock the tone arm on the arm rest. To unlock the arm pillar, insert the end of the elevation adjustment tool into the VTA locking set screw on the mounting base and rotate the tool 1/4 turn counter clockwise. Remove the elevation tool from the VTA locking set screw and insert it into the top of the elevation screw. Rotating the elevation screw clockwise will lower the rear of the tone arm. Rotating the elevation screw counter clockwise will raise the rear of the tone arm. If you are going to adjust the VTA while playing, cue the stylus to the record now and, using the elevation adjustment tool, rotate the elevation screw until the correct VTA is obtained. Cue the tone arm off of the record and lock the arm pillar into the mounting base by tightening the VTA locking set screw. The VTA adjustment system works best when the elevation collar is close to the mounting base (within 10 mm). Gross adjustment of the VTA should be made by loosening both the VTA locking set screw and the elevation collar lock screw and then moving the arm pillar up or down as necessary. When the tone arm is set at the center of the adjustment range for the records in your collection, the bottom of the elevation collar should be between 5 and 10 mm above the top surface of the mounting base. "

Tre'
Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"

 

RE: Sumiko FT-3 Tonearm issues, posted on May 9, 2021 at 20:44:59
SgreenP@MSN.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3537
Joined: April 23, 2007
 Doesn't sound good to me....alladjustments should be locked into proper position. Play is nothing you want

 

new or used?, posted on May 10, 2021 at 03:18:05
Story
Audiophile

Posts: 10431
Location: NJ
Joined: December 11, 2000
 if it's used, someone might have messed with it and screwed it up. There should be no play in the bearings but not tight enough for a 1/4" square of plain paper carefully placed on the end of a floating arm does not initiate a difference in level. Also may be damage in shipping.

New? shipping damage?





 

VTA ..., posted on May 10, 2021 at 08:43:55
reelsmith.
Audiophile

Posts: 13131
Location: CT
Joined: June 7, 2005
Contributor
  Since: January 19, 2010
 VTA is only adjustable during play if you have the optional VTA-16 base, which did not come with the FT-3.

The VTA-16 is as pictured in Tre's post below.

As for your #2 and #3, it sounds as if the arm is worn and needs servicing.

Dean.



reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.


 

Thanks All ! And followup, posted on May 10, 2021 at 18:04:00
Ross
Audiophile

Posts: 1814
Joined: January 24, 2000
 Arm was recently acquired as part of a package, and definitely has problems. Seller and I reached an agreement regarding how to proceed.

 

Tonearm issues, posted on May 11, 2021 at 13:28:10
hifitommy
Audiophile

Posts: 15387
Location: canyon country califiornia, orig from buffalo ny
Joined: June 9, 2000
 the bearings can be adjusted with care. i did this with my Grace 707 using fine needlenose pliers and a good screwdriver and patience.

if the lateral bearing race retainers are accessible, perhaps this tool from Pro-Ject will fit and work. i bought one but have not used it since my 707 has been sold with the KD500 it was mounted on.

the vertical adjustment was just one on the top of the 707. tight, no play, but completely free movement is what i adjusted to and it never gave me another moment of problem.

lightly finger twisting motion on arm tube allowed me to feel the looseness when i started. first adjustments were a little tight and i corrected it to no play/free movement.
...regards...tr

 

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