SME 3009
Classic 9" S shaped arm with knife-edge bearings. Adjustable overhang, vertical tracking force, anti-skate and arm height. Later models had optional fluid damping.
The series I and II had removable headshells, series II improved had a fixed headshell and S2 improved had a lightweight removable headshell (type S-2).
The 3009 R was a reintroduction of the original series II that ended production in 1972, but featured a new arm tube, counterweight, low mass headshell (type S2-R) and revised geometry.
Description
Sensitivity and strength combine with versatility to ensure the continuing popularity of the 3009.
Built throughout with instrument standards of quality, the SME 3009 has all parts precision machined, heat treated and ground where necessary.
Finished in satin chrome plate, gun black and polished stainless steel.
A unique weight system enables the arm to be balanced longitudinally and laterally.
This important feature makes levelling unnecessary.
Reproduction is unaffected even if the arm and turntable assembly are tipped through 30 degrees from horizontal, demonstrating the excellent groove contact maintained.
Models 3009 and 3012 are of similar construction, the essential difference being the length of the tonearm.
Review
Perhaps one of the most popular high quality tonearms ever made. Reasonably clear if somewhat lifeless in sound quality. Bass performance was considered good if a bit soft at times, but it was judged reasonably extended and in good balance with the rest of the performance - S2 improved Noel Keywood HFN 1978
The tonal balance was fairly open, but the sound lacked precision and stereo focus was felt to be impaired throughout the frequency range - 3009R £190 HiFi Choice 1984
A well built and finished product which may be available at an attractive price. Sound quality was characterised as somewhat brash and lacking in bass definition - 3009 improved HiFi Choice 1984
Downloads
improved mounting template (not to scale) (en)
S2 instruction/owners manual (de)
series II mounting template (not to scale) (en)
R mounting template (not to scale) (en)
series II imp mounting template (not to scale) (en)
series II S2 imp mounting template (not to scale) (en)
instruction/owners manual (en)
series II instruction/owners manual (fr)
series II imp spare parts list (en)
series II S2 imp spare parts list (en)
series II instruction/owners manual (en)
R instruction/owners manual (en)
series II imp instruction/owners manual (en)
series II S2 imp instruction/owners manual (en)
S2 instruction/owners manual (en)
brochure (en)
series II imp brochure (en)
series II S2 imp brochure (en)
series II brochure (en)
R brochure (en)
R (alt scan) instruction/owners manual (en)
series II imp flyer (en)
series II imp service manual (en)
series II service manual (en)
series II imp spare parts list (en)
series II spare parts list (en)
arm identification (en)
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SME 3009 / 3009 owners manual, service manuals and schematics are for reference only and the Vinyl Engine bears no responsibility for errors or other inaccuracies. The PDF files are copyright the Vinyl Engine and provided under strict licence. Reproduction for financial gain is strictly prohibited. This website is not affiliated with or sponsored by SME.