pesky, I did not specifically ask for your comment on the comparison between Technics B500 and SME 3009. I too have heard only one and not the other. But "on paper" does count for something. (B500 has superior bearings, if they are intact, a more advanced VTA adjustment method, and a more sophisticated anti-skate device.) Anyway, I was wondering whether anyone had actually heard both. As to the 3009R, what about the 3009/2 or /II? Is that version different from the 3009R? Again, according only to internet reading the 3009/2 is generally thought to be superior to the base model. I wouldn't argue for a minute that there is no substitute for direct experience, but when many listeners make similar comments on a particular audio component, it begins to add up to a significant factor to be considered by anyone making a purchase.
pgtaylor wrote, "each SME arm is an individual hand-assembled product and no two samples sound exactly alike." If true, that is not a virtue.