The SME tonearm- model 3009?

Seem to be nice.

May get that, and the grand-daddy to an SL-1200, the SL-1100.

Here's something for you Paul :

Classic SME tonearms - technical data
... and how to recognize the differences

http://www.analogue-classics.com/html/sme_3009___3012.html

Great link Alvaro, Thanks. ( May I ask you add it to the links section, please?)

I have owned an SME 3009 for some time, on a TT that I´m yet to start rebuilding, so it hasn´t seen any use so far.


I´ve handled many SME´s, from the older 3009 II, to the Series III from the 80´s, and the more modern 309 and they all have that "special feeling". I can´t quite say what it is, but an SME is an SME. Period.

Many SME giant killers have spruced up over the years. Many of them have vanished, SME is still going strong in a digital era. You can still get any SME rebuilt by the factory. How many other manufacturers can claim that?

Good luck with your 3009, Paul. Be gentle with it, as you would be with a lady, and it will give you pleasure for many, many years.

BTW, what TT will you have it on?

Tanx amigo. I'll put it in links section.

I remember well that pic of the "All-Stars Vs. SME tonearm".

Do I detect Converse, aka "Chuck Taylor"s?

(los zapatos)

Who's rocking the Chucks?


Well, if it works out, it's mated already from the factory on a Technics SL-1100, which is the grand-daddy to the SL-1200 series.


It's not the earliest, nor is it the series II, or rare series three lightweight, but it's the SME 3009 S2 'improved' version.

It's the removable headshell version,which was offered on both the third version and as an option labeled the "S2" version on the "improved", thus the S2 addendum to the name.

I've read that the "improved" version is considered inferior to the originals, but cannot figure out why. The "improved" had a lower weight of 9.5 grams for the fixed headshell, 12.5 grams for the removeable, thus making it difficult with running certain carts.

My concern is issues with running my AT440MLa or Grado Gold. Will this light arm be able to utilize these carts?

Also, the table is missing the bias weight, pulley, and headshell.

The bias weight and pully are available new old stock.

I imagine I could use a standard headshell?


I'm going to go read that link Clint posted for me.

Here's the table and the arm....

I am using an SME series II with a Pickering XSV-3000 and really like it, they make a great arm.

Jim

I´ve no idea who that Chuck fellow you mention is or does, but, yes, that´s me wearing those "zapatos".

Paul,

You can certainly use a standard headshell on your 3009, but I would personally take that as an insult.

Seriously now, I would think you can get an original SME headshell from the factory. OTOH, If you are patient, one is bound to show up on ebay, sooner or later.

That SL-1100 looks like a more versatile TT than the SL-1200 to me. Have you noticed it can accomodate a 12" long tonearm? Check the large removeable arm board, making arm swapping a breeze. Swapping arms on the SL-1200 can be done but you are limited to 9" arms.

Looks to me you´re on to something really nice here.

As a final note, I have no experience with Grados, though I´m well aware of their reputation, but I have run my share of AT´s. The 440 is a relatively high compliance cartridge which will run very well in any version of the SME arm.

Go to Page 11 of the pinned "Brochure Scans" and take a look at "Page 14" conveniently provided by Dingus.

Paul,

Interesting that your are looking into this combination of DD technics with the SME. About 6 months ago, I picked up an SL-120 (early SL-1200 without a tonearm) with an SME 3009 tone arm and Shure V15-III from a CL add in New Orleans (Thanks Mike Gibson!). I have my share of nice turntables right now, but there is something special about the Technics/SME combination to me. It's built like a tank, gets up to speed and stays there almost instantly, sounds great and I never get the urge to "tweak" things on it like I do with the Oracle. If you have picked this up, I think you'll be very happy with it. I'm not good with describing in audiophile type details, the sound that I hear, but there are times that I think it outperforms my Oracle Delphi in some respects.

Any chance of a pic Dave? I´m not familiar with the SL-120.

Sure thing, it'll have to wait until I get home, though.

The table is owned by a friend, and he's a good guy, but he's got it at the going rate of a table on ebay, and it's missing a few pieces.

If we reach an agreement price-wise that won't bust my bank, I'll grab it and flip some of my other tables.

My thought is if he lowers his price approx. $100 then in the end, once I order the parts, I'll be up to the going rate of 'em.

Dave,

glad to hear your enjoyment with yours. That's good to know.

Hey T,

You never mentioned the price of the table, but it should be a respectable one.

I have ownd a couple of 3009 arms. Dont remember the series, as this was many years ago. Had them on some Thorens TD 125 tables. Its a good arm, but it doesnt like low compliance moving coils. Much ahppier with a good MM cart. I bet the Goldrings would shine on it.

Cant say alot about the Technics. The only DD table I owned was a Micro Seiki DX1000. Still partial to a good belt driven table.

If the price is too high be sure to check out Audiogon and the Audiocicrlce pages. I saw a very very nice Ariston RD 11 with Grace 707 arm at Audiocircle. Have seen several nice Aristons pop up lately. Also a few Systemdecks, and an occasional VPI HW-19.

Regards
Mister Pig

Well, my friend is pretty sick, so the table is on hold 'till he's out of the hospital.

Price will be fair. Not great, not bad. Fair.

The 3009 arms seem well-respected, despite all the progress in arms that has been made. Indeed, not as nice as the la-*test*-('") $1200 offerings over at Audiogon, but still a respected arm from the time period.

Seems to have been a popular add for the Thorens.

The Technics is basically the forefather of the SL-120/1200, which means incredibly torque-rich motor and rock-solid reliability.

I've checked out the "Black Widow" arm and some used Thorens and newer Music Halls and Regas, and occasionally one may turn up reasonable, but it doesn't last, and I imagine this SME equipped Technics will cost me half as one of those, anyhow.

Thanks for the tips on the Ariston RD 11 & Grace 707 arm, as well as the Systemdecks, and VPI HW-19.

I think if I went new, I'd surely lean towards belt. I've gotten grief over this at other sites, from a select few, as I've been a happy DD user for quite a bit.

I find nothing wrong with a well-built DD, but I do like belt drive as well.

Regards
Mister Pig