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SME series III

I recently pickup up a vintage TT with the SME series III arm. It came with both the integrated Ortofon SME 30H wand and the standard wand/headshell fitted with a Grace F9 cart. I have the manual for the arm, but no info on the Grace cart. Can anyone tell me the recommended tracking force for the Grace? Also, what should I use for the damping fluid, as none came with it for the arm, and where can I get it.

Also, if I were to pick up a different cart for this arm, what would you recommend? I'm now running a Trichord Dino phono stage.
128x12804rdking
3 responses Add your response
derockster's avatar
derockster
8 posts
 
Hi,my Grado Green bettered the Shure v15 type 5 cartridge on my series 111 arm.Try sme.co.uk for the damping fluid.Regards derockster
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 

As a kid in high school, my SME III tonearm was my most prized audiophile possession next to my Magneplanar MG-Is.

I thought it was hypnotically beautiful and very well made.

At that time, my audio mentor suggested a Grado Signature cartridge which worked well and had midrange to die for.

I think I also had a Grace F9E, but used that more on a later turntable, my Yamaha PX-2.

Not sure about dampling fluid, but I think Flat Earth Audio may have some dealings in SME products.

Good luck and have fun.
reylon
47 posts
 
Try 1.4 grams.I have an SME III with the Grace F9E.A different cartridge?That's easy-A Shure V15 type 5.
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