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This excellent SME 3009 S2 Improved turntable tonearm is for sale.In good condition, with a RCA adapter already fitted and phono RCA cable included.Further information at VintAudio.comThe SME 3009 S2 ImprovedEffective length is 9 inches (215.4 mm).Effective mass ranges from 9–9.5 g with the S2 headshell.Overhang is adjustable ±0.5 inch around 8.43 inches.Tracking force (VTF) spans 0–1.5 g.Bearings use precision nylon knife-edges.Counterweight is a single threaded disc with outrigger.Anti-skating employs a threaded weight with 6 notches.Adjustments cover height, overhang, VTF, and bias.Total weight is approximately 0.82 kg.
This US$580 asking price for the used SME 3009 turntable is a strong deal, sitting just above the 25th percentile of US$549 and well below the median of US$846 from four recent comparable listings. It represents genuine value for an enthusiast, offering a significant discount compared to the typical used market range where prices climb to US$1,153 at the 75th percentile.
The SME 3009 remains a highly regarded tonearm platform known for its precise tracking and classic British sound, making it a worthwhile buy at this price point. Buyers should prioritize units in excellent condition with original accessories, as this specific listing’s "excellent" condition suggests minimal wear and maximum readiness for use. At US$580, this is a clear buying opportunity rather than a risk.
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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