TT said:

In the manual it alludes to the arm dampener as if it is supposed to remain
in contact with the arm while playing. Is this so? Or does it only contact
the arm when the lift is engaged?


The problem is I can't seem to adjust the lift mechanism low enough to clear
the arm when the stylus is in contact with the record. BTW cart is a Shure
V15V.

I hope I'm not teaching granny to suck eggs here and am not familiar
with the damping trough if that is what you are referring to.
The solution for the lack of clearance between arm and arm lifter if
you have run out of arm height adjustment is to use a headshell
spacer. SME part number 5925 or 4925 or you can easily knock one up
from a piece of plastic of a suitable thickness, or your local DJ
outfit may carry one such as:
http://www.qualitydj.co.uk/headshell-spacer-p-68.html
I used to have a selection of plastic and metal ones which could be
used to vary the effective arm weight to suit various cartridges.
--
Ken