SME 3012 Series 1

Ovenmitt

Well-Known Member
Nov 21, 2017
285
406
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At last count, there are over 1,000 posts to the SME 3012R thread. I wonder if there are many people in our community using the series 1 version of this wonderful tonearm? There isn’t a lot about it on the interwebs and what I do find seems a bit contradictory - what is the actual pivot to spindle distance? Vinyl Engine says 308.8. Other info I find says 305. Some say it’s the same as series 2, and I’m pretty sure that’s not accurate.

I really love this tonearm and would very much like to hear from others who have experience with it.... Is anyone out there?

Peace

Chris
 
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Ovenmitt

Well-Known Member
Nov 21, 2017
285
406
170
Is there no one?
 

Ovenmitt

Well-Known Member
Nov 21, 2017
285
406
170
Still no one? Has anyone compared the series 1 to the 3012r?
 

Ovenmitt

Well-Known Member
Nov 21, 2017
285
406
170
2BE5E885-87A4-4B6A-8EFC-ED81468CDE15.jpeg 2BE5E885-87A4-4B6A-8EFC-ED81468CDE15.jpeg
 

Ovenmitt

Well-Known Member
Nov 21, 2017
285
406
170
Sorry, I am having trouble uploading images..... only one picture is intended of my SME 3012-1 on my Garrard.
 

jeff1225

Well-Known Member
Jan 29, 2012
3,007
3,249
1,410
51
I don't have any experience with the series 1 but I just wanted to say you have a beautiful table and I'd like to see the rest of your system!
 

Ovenmitt

Well-Known Member
Nov 21, 2017
285
406
170
83D3FDA1-597C-48EC-9FFC-DA5B7A4135AF.jpeg 83D3FDA1-597C-48EC-9FFC-DA5B7A4135AF.jpeg
 

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Ovenmitt

Well-Known Member
Nov 21, 2017
285
406
170
For those interested in Garrard pics. This is my current 301. I restored the turntable proper and it has an upgraded stainless steel and copper platter, with new custom grease bearing. The plinth is a layered hard maple, cherry wood, and panzerholz construction. The arm pod is mostly Panzerholz with maple layers. In these photos I am using my SPU 90th anniversary, which I like quite a bit.



PS -My photo posting skills are horrible..... sorry that I can’t get it cleaner.
 

microstrip

VIP/Donor
May 30, 2010
20,806
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Portugal
For those interested in Garrard pics. This is my current 301. I restored the turntable proper and it has an upgraded stainless steel and copper platter, with new custom grease bearing. The plinth is a layered hard maple, cherry wood, and panzerholz construction. The arm pod is mostly Panzerholz with maple layers. (...)

Do you know what is the adhesive used to assemble these layers?
 

Ovenmitt

Well-Known Member
Nov 21, 2017
285
406
170
Do you know what is the adhesive used to assemble these layers?
Hi Microstrip,

I use a simple wood glue. It works very well bonding the Panzerholz and wood together. You can't feel any seems when all is sanded and finished.... smooth as a babies butt ;)
 

Ovenmitt

Well-Known Member
Nov 21, 2017
285
406
170
Hi Airbearing,

Your system us beautiful - I've visited your website before.... I think that I saw a post of yours some time ago where you had talked about getting your SME 3012-1 tonearm restored (and maybe re-wired). Am I remembering correctly? Can you share details of what you had done and your thoughts on any improvements?

Thanks
 

microstrip

VIP/Donor
May 30, 2010
20,806
4,698
2,790
Portugal
View attachment 54576

Two screws keep the aluminium block fixed to the EMT frame. On top of the block an aluminium knob takes the Micro-Seiki bases. See my description on my site.

www.audiocirc.com

Best
E.

Do you think that this base does not compromise the sound quality in any way and sounds as good as the plinth mount?
 

microstrip

VIP/Donor
May 30, 2010
20,806
4,698
2,790
Portugal
Microstrip,
The screws are embedded with rubber seal. No impact on sound at all.Nevertheless there is a more sophisticated solution. Pls. ask Tang about his construction made by Acoustical Systems.

Best
E.

www.AudioCirc.com

Thanks. I am considering mounting an EMT in the original hole and the SME 3012R (or another arm) in an extra mount.
 

airbearing

Well-Known Member
May 2, 2012
231
102
335
Munich - Germany
Hi Ovenmitt,
Tang did an even more specialized solution which is a little more expensive but looks really good. You may ask him.
You ´re right. Restored but not rewired. I am using the original old copper litz. The extension with the pins is new.

Best
E.

www.AudioCirc.com
 

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