Souped up AR XA

[Pootybear]

I got my first AR about a month ago and already have three. I have an XA, XB, and this XA which shares the platter with my stock XA. Should have another platter soon. Anyway here are some pics of how I put an SME 3009 series II improved tonearm on it.

 

[Balifly]

Modified beyond all recognition!

 

[beatcomber]

How will you get the suspension to properly balance with the SME?

 

[Pootybear]

I'm going to try an Infinity Black Widow to see if its any lighter than the SME. If not, I think I'll order heavy duty springs and maybe damp the platter to add some weight there.

 

[lightcapture]

In regards to your SME3009 arm. Most people mount the base incorrectly. The base is supposed to be perpendicular - point to the platter spindle. It looks like you have the room for it.

 

[marcmorin]

I'm going to try an Infinity Black Widow to see if its any lighter than the SME. If not, I think I'll order heavy duty springs and maybe damp the platter to add some weight there.

Going to the linn black springs, the total extra mass to get the springs in proper tune frequency is 3 - 3 1/4 pounds. you'll need to find the mass difference between the AR arm and how much of the Tbar you removed and the mounting bracket and arm you're using. And then you'll need to find where to distribute the mass added so all 3 springs have equal compression height when the platters are level. On the low side, the springs will be compressed to 30mm, on the high side, 32 mm when you're in the proper mass.

 

[sfrost]

In regards to your SME3009 arm. Most people mount the base incorrectly. The base is supposed to be perpendicular - point to the platter spindle. It looks like you have the room for it.

This is true but you will need to more the arm side spring closer to the platter bearing, like the newer AR tables suspension points. The SME arms should be more turned towards the spindle. The Infinity arm is different again, mounted neither straight like you have the arm turned now or at the spindle but somewhere in between.

 

[Pootybear]

I know the SME should point to the platter bearing, but I didn't want to mess with moving the spring. This is just a spare top plate so I thought what the hell I'll see if I can put an SME on it. I do have the SME mounted wrong on my Empire 398 but there is plenty of room for adjustments which is all that really matters I guess. Anyway I will post pics as things develop. Thanks for all the info and input. Any other suggestions will be considered and appreciated.

 

[Richiecee]

This is true but you will need to more the arm side spring closer to the platter bearing, like the newer AR tables suspension points. The SME arms should be more turned towards the spindle. The Infinity arm is different again, mounted neither straight like you have the arm turned now or at the spindle but somewhere in between.

 

[bob06]

It doesn't matter with way it points. The SME will have the correct overhand no matter which way you put it as long as you get center distance correct. I always point my SME's straight no matter what. I like things straight not crooked.

 

[Richiecee]

I got my first AR about a month ago and already have three. I have an XA, XB, and this XA which shares the platter with my stock XA. Should have another platter soon. Anyway here are some pics of how I put an SME 3009 series II improved tonearm on it.

what did you use to cut the top plate?

tks
rich