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RS-3 owners: Seeking anti-skate help

Hello - I recently acquired the RS-3 headshell and attached it to my SME 3009 series II (unimproved). I followed the directions from the dealer to the letter and the sound, to date, is nothing shy of riveting, honestly. I am curious, however, if anyone with a similar set-up can comment on whether or not you are using the anti-skate rig. It is not 100% clear that the headshell completely compensates for the table's wanton tendency to pull the arm inwards, so I have set it up currently with the anti-skate weight in place, yet was wondering about the protocol of others, or if there is an official word on this?

Thank you for your help
nycwine1

Showing 3 responses by dopogue

dopogue
1,773 posts
 
It may not be possible to eliminate the skating force, but after a couple of months' experience with the RS arm (not the headshell), you come to understand that -- laws of physics or not -- it simply doesn't matter.

I know, I know.

This was SONICALLY the finest arm I ever used. It got more music out of that groove than my JMW, SME and cherry wood tonearms. On the other hand, I found it an ergonomic nightmare. I always wondered whether the headshell alone would be the perfect compromise, but unfortunately I have no arm on which it can be used.

Bottom line: Enjoy the thing and ignore the anti-skating issue. Good luck, Dave
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
All well and good, Quiddity, but you seem to have misunderstood the wonders of the RS arm :-)

I can't blame anyone for doing this. You have to use the silly thing. I wouldn't have believed it either. Dave
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Good luck in your quest. I had something of the same feelings, as I read the impenetrable installation and operating instructions on this arm, plus Art Dudley's rather mystified review in the old Listener magazine, finally decided they were never going to make any sense and just relaxed and enjoyed its musicality and sonics.

But not its ergonomics. You need a lot steadier hand and better eye-hand coordination than I have to subdue this thing. Dave
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