I have limited exposure to 9” tonearms but I’ve heard a few of the most touted ones. The 3009-R holds its own against them and can even be better in some aspects.How does a vintage SME 3009, 3009R compare with today's top 9" tonearm?
Old doesn't mean dated in a vinyl chain, there's not much new today vs before. For one thing the SME is a lot simpler than the Morch to setup and sonically it's more natural with better bass. I prefer the R version, for me it's a more solid sound and isn't limited in choice of cartridges like the standard Series II is. Just to be clear I'm a big fan of SME 30xx- R tonearms.Thank you for your response. That's high praise for an old arm!
I was just given a 3009-R from a friend, but not sure if I wanted to mount it as I would have to purchase an arm board for it and it would be replacing a Morch DP-6 that's currently mounted. My two Garrards are plinthed for 12" arms so the 3009-R wouldn't be an option.
What is special about the 3009-R sound and construction? It seems like you prefer them to the standard 3009.
You're welcomeThank you, David.
If the 3009-R can equal or better the Morch DP-6 , that would be quite a task, but anything is possible. I think the Morch is one of the sleepers in high-end tonearms with its excellent design, build, and flexibility. Your comments have got me really curious about the old sme.
I'm surprised there's no one else experienced with the SME 3009 and other top tonearms.
What is special about the 3009-R sound and construction? It seems like you prefer them to the standard 3009.
The most important difference between the 30xx and 30xxR is the arm tube wall - aluminum in the common 30xx and Stainless steel arm tube (thickness 0,25mm) in the R series.
The R series also has a lateral balance transversal adjustment, but all the photos I have seen of it in WBF were with rider weight assembly in the central position.
We make this one for perfect alignment without having to deal with odd shapes of cartridges and without damage risk to your stylus and cantilever.
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david
Do you have these available for purchase and what is cost?We make this one for perfect alignment without having to deal with odd shapes of cartridges and without damage risk to your stylus and cantilever.
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david
I have them, please check your PM.Do you have these available for purchase and what is cost?
There is slight wiggle room to rotate the cartridge in the SME headshell even though it has two mounting screw holds rather than slots.
Hi there, where can I purchase one of these protractors?We make this one for perfect alignment without having to deal with odd shapes of cartridges and without damage risk to your stylus and cantilever.
View attachment 65682
david
What is this, and where can I purchase one?We make this one for perfect alignment without having to deal with odd shapes of cartridges and without damage risk to your stylus and cantilever.
View attachment 65682
david
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