SAEC WE-308L

Second-hand.

The SAEC WE-308 tonearm was the very first creation of the Japanese company SAEC, acronym for Sound of Audio Engineering Company, released in 1971. From its debut, it embodied the brand’s advanced technical philosophy and the essential aesthetics of Japanese design. This version, the evolved WE-308L, preserves all the distinctive qualities that made it iconic, starting with the implementation of the "Double Knife-Edge" bearing system. This refined mechanical solution uses four precisely polished blades – two upper and two lower – perfectly aligned on a single axis. The design virtually eliminates mechanical play, ensuring exceptionally smooth, friction-free movement. The machining accuracy reaches 0.02 mm, a level attainable only through the expert hand-finishing of skilled technicians after an initial mechanical cut to 0.05 mm.

The WE-308L is built with obsessive attention to every functional detail. The bearing contact points are made of synthetic ruby, a choice that enhances movement sensitivity and resists long-term wear and aging. Around the axis, the entire structural frame is reinforced to improve mechanical isolation and preserve consistent tracking performance over time. The tonearm is also equipped with a lateral balancer and a subtle automatic stylus pressure increase mechanism, which optimizes the dynamic balance during playback.

Flexibility is one of the hallmark features of this tonearm: it can be easily adjusted to accommodate cartridges of varying weights and compliances. This makes it suitable for both lightweight, low-tracking-force setups and heavier cartridges requiring greater downforce. Cartridge installation is straightforward and efficient, thanks to a stable headshell design and ergonomic adjustment controls, making the WE-308L especially appreciated by listeners who frequently switch cartridges depending on musical genre or mood.

In listening tests, the WE-308L impresses with its transparency and well-defined soundstage. Its mechanical precision translates into a clear, modern, and stable sonic character, capable of faithfully delivering the refined timbral richness of a low-force MM cartridge or the incisive detail of a more demanding MC model. Tonal balance remains poised and natural, and tracking performance is outstanding, even on complex or highly dynamic recordings.

Though it dates back several decades, the SAEC WE-308L still competes impressively with modern tonearms in terms of performance and accuracy. It is far from being just a nostalgic vintage piece – it remains a high-level engineering instrument that offers a genuinely nuanced and emotionally engaging listening experience.

Technical Specifications:

• Effective length: 270.0 mm
• Overhang: 5.0 mm
• Offset angle: 11.2°
• Effective mass: over 12.0 g
• Cartridge weight range: 5.0 g – 12.5 g
• Mounting hole diameter: 27.0 mm