SME V and Benz LP-S

Hi Wt4158,

Damping fluid is intended to absorb ambient, non-music signal energy (vibrational energy, in the form of resonance frequencies).

Any non-signal vibration whatsoever can degrade the quality of musical playback. Theory states that silicone's unique properties absorb spurious vibrations, dissipating that energy as heat while letting the music signal pass unperturbed.

SME is one of the very fine tonearm makers; their research dictated the use of silicone as a damping treatment at the 'front end' of the signal path. SME are both deliberate and diligent in their design. They don't offer damping so they can charge more for their arms; it's there with good reason. I would respectfully suggest trying it, and giving it some significant listening time. If you hear no difference, you can easily operate without it, with the knowledge that you tried that path.

This damping option is one way to address the equipment-room interface. In my experience, listeners largely discount the role --let alone importance-- that room treatment plays in a high quality listening experience. My room treatment has cost more than 10% of all my electronics, and has offered the greatest degree of improvement in listening quality, second only to hiring Jim Smith to voice my system.

Hope this is clear and of help. Please contact with more questions if you would like. I am available at Havenhearth at live dot com

Best Wishes,

David

I just bought this arm , my first with a damping reservoir. I have no idea what damping fluid does , even though i put I'n the silicone. I'n lay terms what is the role of this damping reservoir please ?

@ Kmccarty,

Yes, I do use the damping with the SME V. I have been using the silicon damping fluid every since I purchased the SME V. I keep it about 1/3 to 1/2 full. I have only had to refill it one time since I have owned it, about 4 years now. It is about time I do a refill and perhaps a cleaning, however, I do not have any damping issues. The actual settings for the damping are not that radical. I have set mine to about minimal, I must check to verify, but I do recall using a minimum amount of damping.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life

Thanks for the responses. Audioquest4life, do you use the SME V's damping with the LP-S, and if so, how deep is the damping paddle set? Thanks.

Hi,

I am Audioquest4life.

I am using that exact combination. I first had the Benz-LP then upgraded to the LP-S. Weight of the newer LP-S cartridge is not a problem with my SME V arm. I was able to balance the Benz LP-S with the SME V without a hitch. The SME V and the LP-S is a combination to die for. I had a dealer come over to check my settings snd listen to my system, and he said everything was spot on.

During setup, I did have to move the counterbalance way back, but I still have a little playroom. I am not sure that I have a bigger counterbalance weight or not, but it is working beautifully.

My SME V is about 4 years old now. I love the SME V so much that I bought a second one for my Transrotor Merlot Reference MC. These tonearms are mounted on a Transrotor Apollon turntable.

Regarding system matching; the SME V works exceptionally well well with Benz LP-S and my musical enjoyment has gone up a notch more because of that combination. Triangles and cymbals just sparkle and pronounce themselves as if they are in the room. Drum hits are hard very realistic and voices sometimes pop out of nowhere, same as some instruments. It really is enchanting and draws you into the music and makes you want to listen more.

I am using the Silver Breeze silver phono cable with WBT's plugged into an Aesthetix IO Signature phono stage that is plugged into an Octave Jubilee preamp.

I highly recommend this combination. You will not be dissapointed.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life

I initiated a thread on this subject entitled "Problem matching Benz LP-S w/ SME V or IV.Vi arm ?" on 4/19/10, in which Audioquest4life and I discussed this matter. At that time he indicated very good results using the LP-S with his SME V. You might want to drop him an e-mail. He should be able to answer all your questions.