SME 309

[MCRU]

Been hunting around a while, why are there never any good deals on the SME arms, they cannot sell that many that dealers hold out for high prices?

I am sure its an exceptional piece of kit but nearly a grand for a piece of metal all be it a well engineered piece of metal, what comes closest in terms of performance for less dosh 2nd hand?

Origin Live OL1?

[Stratmangler]

Tonearms are but a miniscule part of SME's operations - they are a serious player in high end engineering, full stop.
Their tonearm backup service is legendary and second to none.

That is why you won't find their products heavily discounted - if you want the best you'll pay the asking price.
And finely toleranced mechanical engineering has never come cheap.

OL1 ?
Dream on........

[Rare Bird]

get yourself a Funk F•XR II

[Techno Commander]

If I couldnt afford the 309, I would go for one of their "lesser" arms. Either new, or second hand you would have an arm for life and one that is easily sold on without too much loss.

[Spectral Morn]

There was an SME 4 on PFM recently for £800...now sold though.

Keep your eyes open and bargains do come up


Regards D S D L

[Pete]

Dave Cawley has been known to offer some very good deals on SME arms

[DSJR]

Don't think that the average SME dealer makes a fortune on them, 'cos they don't - just the standard third or possibly a bit more if they pay quickly within time.

My ONLY gripe with SME is the prices they charge - I mean, nearly £200 for a phono conversion kit for the older series 2 arms. I'm sure that if this price was halved, they'd sell more than double the amount worldwide and could do a neat little sideline in updated signal leads too. Of course, SME's largest dealers may be able to squeeze a bit more out of them, so a call or email to Dave Cawley may be in order, as he tells me he sells significantly more SME's than Jelco's these days.

At the end of the day in these troubled economic times, the Jelco arms still are by far great value. Beautifully made and finished and with a consistency in construction, I'd look here first if funds are tight..

[chris@panteg]

I agree with that Dave , even though i have plumped for the 309 ! i think i would have been just as happy with the Jelco SA750 and saved a few quid .

I do love the SME though

[Wakefield Turntables]

Been hunting around a while, why are there never any good deals on the SME arms, they cannot sell that many that dealers hold out for high prices?

I am sure its an exceptional piece of kit but nearly a grand for a piece of metal all be it a well engineered piece of metal, what comes closest in terms of performance for less dosh 2nd hand?

Origin Live OL1?

What happened to your technoarm? Is the 309 for your garrard 401??

[MartinT]

What happened to your technoarm? Is the 309 for your garrard 401??

It's hard to keep up with our David