Whats better than an SME 3009 S11

[Mixc]

Hi All im thinking about a change from current arm an SME 3009 SII with detachable headshell.
I have also noticed that the VTA changes quite a lot with differing record thicknesses.
I like the adjustability of the SME but feel the sound is missing something.
The replacement arm would sit on a DIY PLY plinth between a Garrard 301 series 1 and Linn Troika.

Looking for suggestions that wouldnt break the bank?

Mick

[WESTLOWER]

SME M2-9R... Fantastic arm

[Barry]

Agreed, the bearings are much better than those of the 3009/S2 II, though Linn fans would baulk at the thought of running a Troika in anything less than a Linn arm.

But if you are really concerned with the changes in VTA with record thickness, then you should be looking at a 12" arm, such as an SME M2-12R.

[Lurch]

Having temporarily run a 3009 S2 on my 401. I would say a low cost opon would be a Rega RB250/300 either will IMO easily out perform the SME, the 250 I now normally use (have a, Conqueror 3C fitted temporarily) is definitely better to my ears.
I have hear a clear perspex block similar to the sme P1 that's drilled for Rega with 4x scew holes to match the sme baseplate (also have some hardbound onesl. Your welcome to it/them if you go down the Rega route.

[Mixc]

Thankyou for the suggestions.
I hadnt considered the M2 versions, the 9 looks to be a good arm with the 12 even better.
They are both £££ and there dont seem to be many available, I believe the SME have stopped retailing their arms.

It just happens I have a RB300 in a draw that needs to be rewired, sounds like i need to fix it and give it a try.
I have heard good things about the Conqueror and have seen a few for sale recently.

Thankyou John for the offer of the mating plate, when i built my plinth i made the arm section detachable it is screwed to the bottom of the plinth so i can remove it and the Arm easily.

So theres my plan formulated get some solid silver wire fitted to the arm and build a new arm pod.

In the mean time if im really lucky somthing really nice will turn up for sale at the right price.

[struth]

quite liked the 3009 s2 imp.. a good arm that can do a lot more than "stats" say it can. ive never had an issue with mine, when i did, i got marco to adjust it.. worked with lots of different carts too

[Lurch]

The Conqueror normally lives, on, my Brinkmann Bardo, but it's currently got a noisy motor bearing so is off on a trip to Germany to get it sorted, and yes the Conqueror is a, bloody good arm and sounds stunning with a Hana ML on the end of it.

[Ali Tait]

You could pick up a Mission 774 pretty cheaply, they are great arms, used one on my 401.

[Lurch]

But don't bother with the 774LC, they're nowhere near as good as the 774.