Hi Peter,
Mik is the analogue maestro - he let me borrow this rare SMEV with replaceable head shell and modified bearings. Seems to be utterly exceptional pairing.
A Visit to Mik Bhavnani - Unique Audio UK
- Thread starter Audiophile Bill
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Hi Peter,
Mik is the analogue maestro - he let me borrow this rare SMEV with replaceable head shell and modified bearings. Seems to be utterly exceptional pairing.
I have to say, Mik, I am literally over the moon with the Sati. I didn’t really know what to expect of its performance - I expected power and command but didn’t expect such speed and dynamics. Weird how your eyes imagine a priori how something will sound until you try it. The attack, speed, bass texture / depth, insight is literally at reference level. Thanks a lot for your advice and support to get this TT.
Going back to the arm pairing. I get what Peter was saying - you expect to see a big 12” arm on here or maybe a LT arm. I would be scared of trading some speed and authority in this special V for a more majestic 12” sound. I know I am stereotyping but I usually hear a slightly more laid back and effortless sound with 12” arms, which certainly has its own beauty. But in this instance the immediacy, speed, and outright authority is very addictive especially for my music choices.
Should have mentioned - it works with the Red Sparrow, who is normally a fussy individual when it comes to its mates.
Glad you're making progress at making my next visit even more anticipated.
I have tried a few arms on the horning turntables over the years, I was actually very impressed with the 9" Sme it seemed to have a sense of speed and life that sounded balanced I know might not be high on the street cred factor but works. Plus I had to lend him a arm that was not too bad or I would be slated by my fellow Indian brother for being deaf.
Thanks for pointing this out (for me)
Once again, you ask or remark EXACTLY what is on my mind
Mik, I didn't know Ked was your brother. My commiserations.
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And no more excuses for you
You see what can be achived on very little floor space
Imagine how you are under achieving then
I am amazed when I see rooms that allow 10 people or more listen in comfort, I sit back and think what a waste of space imagine how many turntable spaces are being taken up by people. One has to get ones priorities in line turntable or people. Lol
Mike has wasted so much effort on an empty room
Hes sensible at least it does not affect his breathing and his metal health lol.
Interesting to read mention of the V with detachable headshell. I had two of those (sold one) and thought it was named the SME-Vd. Had to acquire from HK as they were not brought to the States. There was also a detachable headshell version for the Series IV. Still have one Vd but it has a damaged VTA adjuster thread, don't know if that can be repaired.
The problem with all the later generations of tonearms they were too hard to make and inconsistent no two sounded the same, I have had huge amounts of arms through my hands and its almost impossible to pin point a sme sound.
That's so weird. I thought SME were the very epitome of uber engineered/totally consistency.
i'm working on filling my room up with turntables; but when you made me raise the bar for requisite arms, cartridges and cables, i get to the point where i have to consider the marital consequences of proceeding further down that path. and it's effect on asset allocation. which is a big stop sign.
it's not that i prefer people to turntables, more that i prefer one complete asset list to half, or less.
and i do get bonus points for my Studers.
some of us have to live in the real world. but can look from afar on those few who don't.
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my wife and children might have a quibble on the mental health side of that.
There's an old saying : "A neat desk is the sign of a sick mind".
If that's the case, this room must belong to one of the healthiest minds on the planet.
