SME 345

Well, this is basically an SME 309 with SME4 bearings and SME5 silver internal wiring hence the name 345. It's a fine tonearm specially made for Oracle by SME.

I believe the retail back in the early 90's were somewhere in the region of US$3000

Specs will be the same as the 309

Genesis168 is on the mark, I bought a SME345 when I ordered my Oracle Delphi IV many moons ago. World class tonearm that has the best the Series III, IV, and V has to offer.

Thanks for the replies!! What a great learning source this place is, unbelievable!
I guess then it is a good purchase after all? I own an Oracle Delphi MKV but never heard of this option when I ordered, I went instead for the OL1 that was offered as a pack by the local importer (highly reccomended according to himself, I myself never was thrilled with the OL1 looks (cannot tell about the sound, unable to compare), kind of basic/fragile...like if it does not matches the Oracle...
OTOH: would you say that the 345 is a better match for the Oracle than the IV or even the V? (you kind of imply this but I'd like to avoid making the wrong choice..again).
Thanks a lot!
brgs,
Marcelo

I think it depends to some degree whether you like to change/upgrade frequently, the SME V is a well known arm and could be easily sold, the 345 isn't well known and as such will likely not have the same pereceived value in the marketplace when it comes time to sell it. I've never used a OL1 arm so I can't comment on whether you'd be taking a step up or not.

My friend has a Delphi IV with a SME V arm but uses a completely different cartridge, phono preamp etc..It's really hard to say whether the 345 or the V is a better arm. I suspect the V is a better arm in some respects but Oracle had the 345 built for them to take advantage of the best each SME series has to offer. If I were you I'd call Mr. Riendeau at Oracle and get his opinion, he can be hard to reach sometimes but is very knowledgable and friendly.

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Thanks for your kind advice! I believe I´ll stick to the Oracle-dedicated design from SME, one should think the Oracle guys would know better than having a mediocre arm bear their own name, so I should conclude the 345 will be "the" arm for the Delphi MKV (that is, within a reasonable price).
Thanks again
Brgds, Marcelo