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Offered is „SME 309“ by SME as second-hand device from the category „Tone Arm“ on audio-markt.de - the online market place for high-end. The advert with the number 4082154804 ends on 24.12.2026 at 11:47 o'clock.
Are you buying the arm itself with its original SME base, cable, counterweight and detachable headshell? At EUR 1,800, this is a fair-to-strong price for a clean, complete SME 309, though not an obvious bargain. Comparable classic SME arms commonly sit well below that level, but the 309 is a newer, more capable design and occupies a higher tier than the vintage 3009 models.
Its appeal is straightforward: the 309 offers much of the SME V’s precision in a simpler, more accessible package, with a rigid one-piece magnesium arm tube, captive gimbal bearings and a useful detachable headshell. It is an excellent match for a serious modern turntable and a broad range of cartridges. At this money, completeness matters: original accessories, a sound internal cable and clean bearings make the listing worthwhile; missing mounting hardware or a questionable headshell should justify negotiating downward.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Founded in 1946 by Alastair Robertson-Aikman as The Scale Model Equipment Company Limited in England, SME initially produced scale models and precision parts for engineering trades before pivoting in the 1950s to high-precision components for aircraft instruments and business machines. By 1961, it had relocated to a dedicated factory in Steyning, Sussex, and fully embraced audio engineering, developing its first tonearm for personal use. Now marking over 70 years of excellence, SME was acquired in 2016 by industrialist Ajay Shirke's Cadence Group, ensuring continued innovation while honoring its heritage, including recent moves like reviving the Garrard turntable brand.
SME specializes exclusively in precision turntables and tonearms, offering models like the acclaimed Model 30 series alongside a range of twelve standard arms and custom variants. With over one million tonearms sold worldwide, the company avoids diversification into amplifiers, speakers, DACs, headphones, or cables, focusing instead on unmatched engineering for vinyl playback.
Regarded as the gold standard in high-end analog audio, SME commands a niche position among discerning audiophiles for its Steyning facility—the world's largest and best-equipped for precision pick-up arms and turntables. Synonymous with industry-leading build quality and sonic refinement, it appeals to serious collectors and professionals who prioritize mechanical perfection over mass-market compromises.
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