!! I can't argue but it's 42 years later now and that may not be true anymore ) The SME3009S2 price was £50.22,and was more expensive than the 3009II Improved at £45.81.The brochure proudly states 'The best pick up arm in the world'. It came with the original SME booklet and SME brochure including the SME printed 1975 UK Price List. I have just (26th Oct 2017) acquired a SME3009S2 Improved mounted on a Technics SL150. I will part with mine and never buy one back. Granted, once set up well and with the right cart, the sound is quite well, but there are much better performing and easier arms out there, like the Technics EPA models. Nightmare to set up properly and very picky with Carts. I am not a fan at all and do not understand what all the fuzz is about.
Have an SME 3009 series 2 improved with cardas wiring. SME 3009 II (unimproved) - a perfect fit for a Thorens TD124 Mk II!Ĭan not understand the previous review so simple to set up and align sounds great with high compliance cartridges and beautiful build quality with mm cartridges what more could you want, I suppose beauty is in the eyes of the beholder as they say. A bit like the Porsche 911 of the tone arms :-) Great combo with the Thorens and other vintage spinners. Yes, it is not a secret or a big suprise, but this SME is a classic, high performance tonearm! Love it now. Very important is a faultless condition ( operation) of the arm and parts. The SME is not the easiest to set-up and I had to get used to the (light, bit fuzzy) way it handles (different than most, clearly lay-out Japanse arms or sturdy Linn Ittok/Ekos arms I was used to). I have the SME 3009 S2 unimproved on a Thorens TD-125 MkI. But it just can't make music like my ancient DL-103, SME 3009, DP-3000. Recently bought a SOTA Sapphire series I with a Grace tonearm and Benz Micro Silver cartridge. And the centerpiece of the table is the SME Type II Improved tonearm. Anyway, the entire setup became my favorite has been for 40 years. They say the Soundtracktor uses a different geometry that reduces distortion at the end of the record. I used a Dennisen Soundtracktor to establish the mounting, overhang and cartridge angle. As soon as I experienced the quiet, smooth presentation of the DP-3000 with the SME and DL-103, I was stunned. Between the rumble, puck noise, wow and flutter, I felt the German table was money I spent poorly. It was an early 70s German table with a Shure V15. Couldn't say that about my other turntable. With the DENON DL-103 cartridge, I never saw my woofers breathe while going over a warp in the vinyl. Yes, the table and plinth transmitted floor noise. Mounted it to a Denon DP-3000 with the factory plinth. Bought my first in 1976 in Japan for $100. The SME Type II Improved with fixed head shell is my all-time favorite tonearm. It is also important in my humble opinion to marry up with the 'right' amplifier and speakers otherwise you may as well by a CD!
I don't think there is any doubt regarding the superbe quality of these SME tonearms, as others have commented they require time and patience to set-up properly and this is an absolute must to derive the full benefits from these tonearms. One carries a Shure V15 the other an Ortofon 2M Blue. I have two SME 3009 S2 on a SL-110 and SL-1500 respectively. If you have one hiding, put it back on, I bet you are as surprised as I am. Totally amazed how it sounded !Īnd wondered why oh why did I take it off !! More than likely a fashion thing as I recall unipivots being the golden kids at the time.
The SME is a good arm and a beauty, but limited for cartridges with high compliance.Ĭhanged my arm back to this beauty after several years using a Mayware Formula 5. (they have a lower compliance and track best between 1.7 to 2.2g!)Ĭompared to other arms I have one of the V15III on, the SME has slightly less bass. They are more acceptable on heavier arms. The aftermarket styli do not sound too good on the SME.
I use/d original styli (elliptical nude), the old Jico SAS plus several cheap conical (?) aftermarket styli. The V15III is a great match for this tonearm. (30mm plywood plinth, Technics SL-D2 motor/platter) I like the look of the unimproved SMEs better, but this one is still a beauty. I use a Shure V15III in a (ugly) DIY wood body. SME 3009 Improved, fixed headshell, original plastic knife bearings.