I was recently consulted privately by someone who had a choice between a Technics B500 with two arm wands, one each for high and low compliance cartridges and with good bearings, and a 3009. I advised for the former of those two choices, but the person who asked opted for the 3009, based on a recommendation from his "dealer". To me, this seemed to be bad advice and suggested that the dealer was probably the seller of the 3009. Then I thought maybe there is something great about a 3009 that escapes me; I never owned one. Was I wrong?
SME 309 or SME 3009r?
I have both arms. My turntable is an Avid Sequel. My cartridge is a Benz LP. I want to rewire one of the arms, but don't know which would sound best. I currently have the 309 on the table so I know how that one performs. I've had the 3009r for quite sometime just sitting on a shelf. It's in terrific shape and the person who gave it to me, and has since passed away, thought it would outperform the 309. Does anyone have an informed opinion? Thanks.
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- 27 posts total
Hey all - let's be clear. The 3009 is not the 3009r. I don't recall exactly, but the r stands for revised, renewed or replacement. It's not your pedestrian 3009. Look online and you'll see the 3009r being sold for upwards of $2,000 while the 3009 is less than half that price. They're two different animals. Still, I'm pretty sure that I'm going to rewire the 309, not the 3009r. And then I'll sell off the 3009r. Someone else can rewire it to see if it sings, or not. |
sorry @lewm I have not heard the Technics and can not comment. I do not make pronouncements based on spec sheets. |
@yogiboy I find your comment interesting. I trialled a MkIV on my Rock tt and was rather underwhelmed, although it did some things very well. The dealer told me that the IV was a bit of a dud and that I really should listen to a V. Unfortunately I moved and never had the opportunity to take him up on his offer. |
- 27 posts total