Problems with SME 10 Turntable


Before I call Sumiko for advice, I'd like to run a problem by you folks. On the lead in groove [and for the first minute of music], I seem to be getting a slightly audible sub-harmonic rumble. I'm using monitors that go down to 35 Hz, and I can actually watch the woofer pumping, and the cartridge bounce at a certain point on the outer grooves. It is better on some records, especially audiophile pressings.

The other day, I slightly moved my TT stand, which is on casters, and sits on carpet. The stand is also rather wobbly, as it's not firmly anchored with spikes. But the TT sits on a Symposium Super platform. I tried to play a record that was still clamped to the table, and had played perfectly the day before. The rumble was so bad that I couldn't play the record! The stylus actually bounced out of the grooves.

The SME is about 6 years old, and only used occasionally. So my question is...can this be some type of oscillation from the inadequate stand [the SME 10 is an unsuspended table design], or possible belt wear or a flat spot on the belt. I haven't fired up the SME again, as there have been thunderstorms lately, and I'm waiting for the stand's casters to sink back into the carpet.

Thanks to all in advance! And I know that my stand will have to be replaced, but funds are somewhat tight right now.
fatparrot

Showing 1 response by jfrech

I have a SME 20/2 on a symposium stand. But I'm very familiar with your 10.

The thing that worries me is "casters, wobbly stand, carpet." The symposium shelf can't deal with these problems. I don't think it's your table by what you describe. Can you go with a wall shelf? Like those made by target or billy baggs? I think the target ones are around 100-$200.

Any table will have some issues.

Your SME 10 is one of the top tables out there. Assuming nothing it broken, I'd bet a good amount of money it's the stand, carpet and casters....