SME 3009 Fluid Dampener
- Thread starter Sanc
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Ilikevinyl
Cool Breeze
I have the Fluid Damper FD-200 on my SME 3009 II Improved arm. This makes a big difference in sound. I'm using the original SME fluid. Tried 50k & 30k silicone fluid weights but like the SME the best (200K). Make sure you get a complete kit (3 paddles). You will have to replace the cueing lever with the one supplied in the kit. This cueing lever has more of an angle to it, to clear the silicone trough sitting above it. I'm using an Audio Technica AT-440MLa cartridge. Using the middle paddle with the fluid half way up the side of the wide part of the paddle. Make sure you have the bottom of the paddle parallel to the bottom of the trough. The paddle should be in the center of the trough all through it's travel, equal space on the front & back of the paddle. Make sure the trough is completely seated all the down above the cueing mechanism. I've caught it a couple of times riding up just a bit, noticed the sound difference. Pick a piece of music that has lots of dynamics (deep bass, high frequencies). Fill the trough until the paddle (wide part) is almost covered with the fluid. Play the same part of the music track over & over. Use a pin to take out the fluid. Return the arm to the armrest, then take out a very small amount of fluid. At first it's going to sound dull grey & lifeless. When you get to the correct fluid level you will definitely know it. Bass will become deep & rich sounding. Every thing will have it's own space in the soundstage, more airy sounding. High frequencies will be more defined. Without this Fluid damper the 3009 arm sounds dull & lifeless. With it the arm comes alive, sounds much better. I wouldn't be without it. Every 3009 owner should have one. I highly recommend it! Bought mine on U.K. Ebay, they have more SME parts. I've seen the FD-200 Fluid Damper Kit quite often on there. Mine is a complete kit, box is in excellent condition. It even came with the original SME fluid. There is a seller on Ebay that sells it still.
I have one for my 3009 Series 2. I bought it for a V15 III, but after I heard a Grace F9e Super, the V15 got sold for 50 bucks. It seems to make the stylus track better in the grooves. The Telarc 1812 would usually throw your cart out of the groove during the cannons, but the damper keeps your stylus in the groove. It allows you to track a little lighter too.
Ilikevinyl
Cool Breeze
That's correct. The Fluid Damper makes your cartridge track so much better.:yes:
You sold the V15 III for $50! You should have kept it! Put a JICO SAS stylus on it. Sounds amazing on a 3009 II Improved arm. The Grace also is another amazing cartridge. Soundsmith now sells the stylus for the Grace.
Sanc
I'm Hiding in Honduras
Sounds to me like this is the real deal, thanks for the advice, much appreciated. I'll definitely be picking up a complete kit after I recover from the next big purchase. I have an SME 3009 Series II (or S2?) Fixed Headshell Cardas rewired w/ RCA mods with an SAE 1000E cartridge. Going to be on a custom TD-160 I'm picking up from Vinyl Nirvana.
Have any interconnect recommendations you SME pros out there? I don't mind spending up to $100 bucks. I'm thinking the ART IC-3. I've heard mixed reviews about the Blue-Jeans and I'm skeptical about using component cables.
Have any interconnect recommendations you SME pros out there? I don't mind spending up to $100 bucks. I'm thinking the ART IC-3. I've heard mixed reviews about the Blue-Jeans and I'm skeptical about using component cables.
Ilikevinyl
Cool Breeze
I'm using the factory SME RCA to RCA plug interconnect cable. This cable is very flexible which is what you want on a TD-160. If you buy a stiff cable it will effect the subchassis bounce. I'm satisfied with the sound of this cable.
Where did you get that acrylic platter on your TD-160?
Sanc
I'm Hiding in Honduras
Good tip. I got the acrylic platter from Vinyl Nirvana. It is not listed on his site because it is still a relatively new product, but I believe he has them in stock. Shoot him an email, Dave is a great guy to do business with. I highly recommend the upgrade.
Which BlueJean cable do you use? I love your Thorens collection bob, very very nice turntables.
Ilikevinyl
Cool Breeze
Yep, my 3009 Improved arm has the factory SME RCA signal output installed. I can use any cable.
bob06
Addicted Member
Thanks!! I use the LC-1 cables. I just scored another Super to. Makes 3 Supers I have now.
jeremyjustic
Analog
man I have the damping trough on mine and still have never put fluid in it, you guys are making me feel like I should.
Sanc
I'm Hiding in Honduras
Thanks!! I use the LC-1 cables. I just scored another Super to. Makes 3 Supers I have now.
Jesus! Where do you get these?! I'm getting as close to a Super as one can get more or less. Dave from Vinyl Nirvana is getting in some awesome looking plinths that look very similar to the Super's plus is setting up a similar looking MDF base and some other goodies. That is what I'm putting my 3009 on.
Sounds like we'll be taking that trip together. BTW, hope your staying safe down in New Orleans. My sister who goes to Tulane just evacuated to Houston.
Sanc
I'm Hiding in Honduras
Sure will. I'm gonna be using my acrylic platter as well + my Herbie's isolation feet. Gonna get a slab of soapstone as well for the base it'll be on.
Currently spinning The Doors / Live in New York The Felt Forum.
Ilikevinyl
Cool Breeze
Get that fluid in it!
Here is the original SME fluid.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SME-3009-3012-SERIES-III-DAMPING-FULID-NOS-BRAND-NEW-/360148832479?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item53da8b10df
jeremyjustic
Analog
man I am staying, got my supplies and a great project for when the power goes out, gonna finally alphabetize all my records.
Get that fluid in it!
Here is the original SME fluid.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SME-3009-3012-SERIES-III-DAMPING-FULID-NOS-BRAND-NEW-/360148832479?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item53da8b10df
yeah I had alfred at smetonearms rewire my arm , for some stupid reason I didnt order it then , I've tried to order it twice since from him but both times I called he was busy and said he would call me back, never did, so still havent ordered any. I need to get on that
Sanc
I'm Hiding in Honduras
That'll definitely keep you busy, stay tough! Something (soft of? maybe? not really?) funny, my sister and her friends went to Houston and stayed in a hotel for a night. The first day they were there, they went up to the room to hang for a little, come back down to the car to go somewhere, and someone jacked all four wheels off her friend who drove's car.
Them Canadians. He's probably too busy watching The Trailer Park Boys, lol. I have a feeling that this will be my first purchase after the new TT. I want to have my old Marantz receiver tuned up too.
