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This listing is for a 12″ effective length stainless steel wand, a 65mm end-stub (complete with ebony coupling) and a (circa 18ct) white gold plated brass knife bearing and white gold plated eccentric brass weights. These are compatible with the SME 3009/3012 series (as shown in pictures 4 & 5), for use as either an upgrade from the 9″ 3009, or as a replacement for a damaged 3012, or even as a replacement from the original 3012 geometry to the typically preferred Lfgren A or B/Baerwald settings, either of which can be easily achieved with this wand as opposed to the original in-house geometry used by SME for the SI/II.The 65mm end-stub has a very light spun finish (along with a brightly mirror-polished end-cap) similar to the original SME units, which is useful for helping to obscure the inevitable grub-screw marks; if you’d prefer a polished finish, contact us immediately after purchase. The end stub comes complete with an ebony coupling. After you have wired your wand, use a piece of abrasive paper (typically supplied) to twiddle the coupling to the correct size dependant on the adhesive you wish to use – this is a two minute process. Obviously if are using a very thick, viscous adhesive, you will want a looser fit than if you opt for a very thin glue. Ebony works particularly well as a coupling since wood is naturally an acoustic decoupler. Being of an organic nature, the randomised particles will give a more homogenous coupling where synthetics are more likely to have a distinctive sonic characteristic. Despite being no longer available, we deem the ebony coupling to be far superior to the original SME coupling by virtue of perceived sonics, and mechanics. Unlike the SME elastic couplings, the ebony coupling cannot sag over any period of time. When properly assembled, the ebony connector is visually indistinguishable from the original SME elastic coupling.The three eccentric white gold plated brass weights in this listing are all 1″ diameter and masses are as follows:
1/2″ circa 47grams1″ circa 94 grams1.5″ circa 134 gramsThe reasoning behind the use of eccentric weights is to deliver a simple yet elegant solution to offset the unequal mass of the cartridge/headshell on the J-bend. SME used a rider system, which we believe was not only over-complex, but also flawed. The thin way-rod used in the SME solution along with the outrigger weights will inevitably be prone to a large degree of vibration. The resonance of this vibration will vary when you change the weights, or change the distance of the out rigger from the end-stub. We believe that these vibrations/resonances cannot be helpful in any manner to assure the highest possible degree of fidelity. In contrast, the eccentric weights, although more difficult to manufacture, offer a vibration-free alternative with no requirement for outrigger weights. In order to offset the unequal mass of the cartridge/headshell combination on the J-bend, you simply twist out the wider portion of the eccentric weight(s) in the opposing direction to the J-bend until it is balanced. Lift off the yoke, and put a toothpick across the “V’s” that normally carry the knife bearing. Your wand will now be resting on the toothpick. Adjust the eccentric weights until you have the wand happily balanced. Listening tests and customer feedback have proven that the eccentric weights offer a considerable sonic improvement over the original SME rider system. Although we could have used stainless steel to make the weights, listening tests proved conclusively that the steel weights produce an artificially bright sonic characteristic, whereas brass or bronze gives a far more natural and satisfying listening experience. Photo number 9 shows white gold eccentrics being used on a composite wooden wand.The original SME SI/II geometry was somewhere between Lofgren A & Stevenson, and compromised average tracking error & distortion especially at beginning of play. It should be noted that the later SME 3012R and most current SME variants use a Lfgren A/Baerwald setting. Same as this.
A close inspection of the graphs highlighted in pictures 6 & 7 show comparative tracking distortion and error characteristics respectively, and perhaps give some clues as to why most prefer the Lfgren A/Baerwald geometry.The wand is built from 304 grade stainless steel and weighs in at 28-29 gms – ideal for medium to lower compliance cartridges. In practice, this means that your wand will have an effective mass just a little under 14grams. To this, you should add the mass of the headshell collar if used (4.66grams) and the combined mass of your cartridge/headshell combination. If you require more information regarding the matching of wands to cartridges, please message me. As you can see from pictures 2 & 3, I have made a direct comparison between a typical good condition 3009 alloy wand, and the stainless steel wand. Most customers heartily agree that my replacement wands have a significantly superior finish to that of the original SME units.The slot provided for the removable head-shell collar in this instance is milled. There are many differing variants of the collar, and whilst my measurements will suit most without adaptation, a couple of minutes with a mouse-tail file will fix pretty much any differences encountered. If you are not happy about undertaking this process yourself, message me after purchase to ensure that I do not immediately deliver, then post your collar to me (address will be given) for an accurate assembly. Similarly, some customers will want a non-removable head-shell compatible wand. These are 10.5mm longer. Again, make the purchase and message me immediately in accordance.Full reconstructive support can be provided via email or possibly Skype, although it is assumed that the customer will have a degree of aptitude required to undertake the build/conversion process.Owing to a continued illness on my behalf, it is likely that your order and any messaging will be taken care of by my colleague James, who is responsible for our Far-East manufacturing facility. In such an instance, your wand may be posted from the Far East rather than my address given above. The postal service used is now insisting on the provision of a destination telephone number – please be sure to message a confirmation of destination address inclusive of a suitable telephone number accordingly following any purchase.Further options are available on request (see image 8 above), and interested customers should contact me accordingly prior to the purchase of a wand. These include (but are not restricted to):lightweight wand”S” shaped wandcomposite wooden wandbrass 23ct gold plated knife bearing65/75/80mm counterweight stub23ct gold plated eccentric brass counterweights alternative geometry (including original SME) – ideal if you wish to specialise on 7″ or 10″ even 16″ records for examplealternative wand sizes from 10.5″ up to 18″the undertaking of the complete build process on your behalfFor any further information, please feel free to contact.Many Thanks, Espen
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Category: Sound and Vision:Home Audio and HiFi Separates:Record Players/Turntables
Location: Harstad, Troms