I'll just second that the tonearm cable makes a big difference on the SME's. The stock SME cable with my 312S (Van Den Hul) is rather poor IMO. When I replaced the VDH cable with a Graham the difference was very notable (for the better) - and I'm generally a skeptic when it comes to cables.
SME V vs 309 Sonic Differences
Hi all,
I've read from a few sources one or two line comments like "The SME 309 gives up surprisingly little" when compared to the SME V. I've also seen a comment "most of the difference is in the tonearm cable." But in trying to nail down the true performance difference I have done numerous searches on both google and AudiogoN and can't seem to come up with anything beyond these one-liners.
Does anyone have experience with both arms that can give some insight? I just committed to an SME 309 and am wondering what it sonically gives up. Based on what it gives up, I'm wondering if the SME V would ever make sense as an upgrade, and what upgrade path exists for the 309 itself as either general improvements or targeted changes to specifically narrow the gap with the V. Any personal experiences with any possible upgrades is also welcome.
(Also, on a side note - I've heard some say the SMEs can be dark or too analytical. Is there any truth to that?)
Thanks everyone!
Greg
I've read from a few sources one or two line comments like "The SME 309 gives up surprisingly little" when compared to the SME V. I've also seen a comment "most of the difference is in the tonearm cable." But in trying to nail down the true performance difference I have done numerous searches on both google and AudiogoN and can't seem to come up with anything beyond these one-liners.
Does anyone have experience with both arms that can give some insight? I just committed to an SME 309 and am wondering what it sonically gives up. Based on what it gives up, I'm wondering if the SME V would ever make sense as an upgrade, and what upgrade path exists for the 309 itself as either general improvements or targeted changes to specifically narrow the gap with the V. Any personal experiences with any possible upgrades is also welcome.
(Also, on a side note - I've heard some say the SMEs can be dark or too analytical. Is there any truth to that?)
Thanks everyone!
Greg