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SME 3009 Tonearm Here is a nice condition 3009 tonearm, the best version mk2 with the heavy counterweight, no cable, this can handle quite a few different cartridges works very well with the shure v15 types, came off of a very nice condition garrard 301 schedule 2 oil bearing Condition: Good Payment Method: Cash eft Region/State: (NSW) New South Wales/Australia By missmurphy 0 Comments Secure Ad AUD $600 Date: June 23, 20241 yr
Would you grab it at A$600, or hold out for something cleaner? Against your recent AUD comps, this sits below the 25th percentile at A$646 and well under the median of A$808, so it reads as a strong bargain rather than a merely fair buy. It’s also far from the top of the market, where the 75th percentile reaches A$1,550, so the ask looks comfortably buyer-friendly.
That makes sense for a SME 3009, which is well-regarded for its precision, low-friction feel, and upgrade-friendly design; when set up properly, it can be a very capable arm on the right deck. The upside here is straightforward: if the bearings are smooth, the wiring is healthy, and the mounting parts are complete, this is the kind of purchase that can deliver serious performance per dollar. Because condition is listed as unknown, I’d want confirmation on bearing play, cueing, and any missing SME-specific hardware before jumping.
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.
See all SME listings on RADAR.
