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Tonearm Choice:SME or Rega?

I am refurbishing a Garrard 301 greased bearing TT but haven't decided on which tonearm to use. I like the classic beauty and design of the SME 3009 and all of the upgrades and options available, but I also have my eye on the Rega RB300. My current cartridge is a Grado Statement Sonata1, but I'll probably put something else on the Garrard when it's done, possibly a Denon 103 or other MC. I can be patient as I haven't built a new plinth yet, but I would like to have the tonearm in hand when I do. Words of advice from anyone with experience in these matters would be greatly appreciated, as well as other tonearm suggestions. So far, the 3009 is at the top of my list, so my budget is under $1000.
heyraz

Showing 3 responses by dekay

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,705 posts
 
Following are the average effective mass ratings for the SME 3009 series.

As you can see there are quite a few versions and I did not even include the 3009 series III (very low mass).

SME 3009 Series II Improved (fixed headshell) 6.5g
SME 3009 Series II S2 Improved (detachable headshell) 9.5g
SME 3009 Series II (detachable headshell) 12.5g
SME 3009R (detachable headshell) 12.7g

The heavier 12.5g series II is often referred to as the "non-improved" for identification purposes.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,705 posts
 
My 2 cents:

Instead of fixating on the inexpensive Denon (with it's special requirements) look for a tonearm that will work with a wide range of cartridges in your price range.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,705 posts
 
OK, I understand.

I've considered the Denon as well, but the added expense of a suitable phono preamp, plus a synergistic arm, always makes me reconsider.

My 3009 non-improved (12.5g) works quite well with a Grado Prestige (Silver), but so did a Thorens TP13 once I got it dialed in.

Your Grado is 1.5g heavier than the Silver, which should not be a problem considering the amount of adjustment left on my counter weight.

If you wan't to squeeze more peformance from an old SME better factor in another $200+ for a rewire and rubber replacment.

I researched some of the best (IMO) vintage arms I would use -w- a 301 and they have gone up considerably in price over that past 3-4 years (way over $1K now).
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