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You all know what this is probably one of the most famous tonearms made!Getting harder to find and very versatile due to the bigger counterweights It really does work well with high quality mm carts such as the orthodontist black or the Goldring 1042; always good with the shure carts and stantons...
At A$650, this SME 3009 tonearm is a genuine bargain, sitting well below the 25th percentile of A$786 from our recent AUD listings and far under the median of A$1,212. New SME 3009 equivalents today cost well over A$2,000, so even tested working used units often command A$900–A$1,500; this listing is a clear buy opportunity.
The SME 3009 remains a benchmark vintage tonearm for its precise bearing geometry, stiff armtube, and excellent tracking with classic moving-magnet cartridges. It pairs beautifully with 1970s–80s audiophile decks and delivers the low resonance and steady rotation that define high-end analog. At this price, even with unknown condition, it’s a worthwhile project arm for a restorer or a direct upgrade for a collector who can verify function.
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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