Ortofon as309s or sme m2-12r

Try the Audio Creative GrooveMaster Tonearm

I chose the SME, particularly for SPUs, and I've been happy. Many users of the Ortofon arm say the same. I've never heard it myself. Searches of Analog threads here will get you more info on both. Good luck.

I'll add that an important advantage of the SME (to me, anyway) is its easy VTA adjustment via an integral thumbwheel. Taking it a step further, I've made these adjustments easily repeatable for different record thicknesses by placing some rudimentary markings on the base and wheel (on applied paper). I know where to set for 140g, 160g, 180g LPs, and it takes all of 15 seconds to make the change. Many feel VTA adjustment is unnecessary, especially with a 12-inch arm. I find it crucial for best sound, and it's one reason I chose the SME. YMMV.

I use a RS309D. The VTA adjustments are easy and convenient.
Get the RS series rather than the AS series.

RS series already equipped with the correct counter weight to cater for heavier carts, whereas the for AS series, you would need to buy another additional counter weight

Doesn't the Ortofon arm use the grub screw on the pillar method for VTA adjustments, in which you loosen the screw and manually slide the pillar up and down? To me, that's not very convenient. I prefer methods that are mechanically controlled for fine, repeatable changes.

Stargazerang

Is and why the rs309d worth the extra cash over the as-309 or the SME m2-12r in your opinion ?

You guys are bad, making an old man lust after an RA309D .

I am also looking at a similar choice. Ortofon or SME.
Ortofon is known to be a Jelco with probably a better internal wiring and some additional adjustment features above the stock Jelco 750D tonearm.
SME on the other hand is of course more reputed for their analog products. The M2-12r is one tonearm which many prefer over the SME V tonearm. That gives it more credibility.

But in the end how different are they sonically, I do not know.

Like I said above, I haven't heard the Ortofons and they certainly have a lots of happy users. My SME M2-12R (with an upgraded phono cable; the supplied one is not so good) holds its own next to a Triplanar VIIuii and Phantom Supreme in my system. I certainly wouldn't say its better than those arms, but it's not far behind, and I find myself listening to it just as often.

I'll add that the thing that put me off the Ortofon when I was shopping for a 12-inch arm for SPUs is the odd geometry, which disallows two null points with SPUs. I think you can overcome this issue by rotating the cartridge in the headshell, but not for SPUs. Now, whether this oddity really makes a sonic difference, I surely do not know.

The RS-309D is a great tonearm, an works well with the Garrard. I have 2 of them sitting on 301s in my listening room right now.

Hi. I have the SME M12-R with the Lyra Delos on a Garrard 401 in a skeleton plinth from Acoustand. It works very well and I can certainly recommend the combination of arm and cart.

All the best

Andreas