For Sale: SME 309 Tonearm - 2015 - Immaculate

[Alex A]

I purchased this arm new from a UK dealer. It was manufactured in September 2015. It's been fitted once to a Technics 1210 turntable and has genuinely seen very little use (I'd say 30-40 hours).

It's the current specification, with magnesium arm tube and SME V specification bearings. Comes complete with all original parts and packaging, including Tonearm cable.

Sold

http://s23.postimg.org/tczsv56sb/DSC05328.jpg

[farflungstar]

Pics not showing...
Adey

In perpetual pursuit.

[Alex A]

They do for me. Try Ctrl+F5?

[killie99]

Showing fine for me

[macvisual]

I've nearly did a deal on a used/mint SME V, just wondering how this 309 would sound compared to it (?)

[Alex A]

Funnily enough, I purchased this to replace a late 90s SME V, which was in excellent condition but probably in need of a service.

When the 309 was originally launched (late 80s?), there were quite significant differences between it and the V (materials, bearing quality). That gap has narrowed, and the 309 is now essentially a stripped-down V with less premium internal wiring and a detachable head shell.

I suspect that an equally good V will out-perform it in a suitably revealing system, and it does offer more features, but IMO there isn't all that much in it from a pure performance perspective. The detachable head shell is very much more user friendly as well.

[farflungstar]

Weird, I've always been able to see pics. Maybe it's fate lol. Spent enough recently...

Adey

In perpetual pursuit.

[Alex A]

Photographs can be viewed here for anyone unable to see them on the forum: https://postimg.org/gallery/x65uu1lq/

[macvisual]

Thanks Alex, any idea the cost of a separate headhell to add different carts..? I called SME only last week about a standard service for a SME V and they quoted me; £555.

Regards;
Peter

[struth]

believe they are £125 each.:eek:

[Alex A]

I never inquired but I thought they were around the £100 mark - £125 might be right. Multiple head shells would be handy for quick changes, but just being detachable appealed to me since it makes mounting a cartridge so much less fiddly.

I should also point out - just in case - that this does come with the headshell. It just wasn't fitted to the arm for the photographs.

[struth]

its not that expensive tbh, as ive bought a few for my old 3009 that cost more.

[macvisual]

Hi Alex, any idea of a nearest offer for the minty 309 ? The V I'm looking at is £1500 (Inc postage), minty condition with tools/rear tonearm lead etc...

[Alex A]

Sold. Thanks all.