SME 3009 FIXED HEADSHELL

Second-hand. Model with fixed headshell.

The SME 3009 tonearm still represents the pinnacle of British engineering applied to high-fidelity audio. Designed in an era when mechanical precision was a true craft, this arm is a perfect synthesis of technical refinement and practical functionality. Its J-shaped armtube, made from polished, anodised aluminium, is ultra-light with a diameter of 9.5 mm and a wall thickness of just 0.56 mm, ensuring structural rigidity and reduced moving mass. The support system features ball-race bearings for vertical movement and a pair of hardened steel knife-edge bearings for the horizontal plane, delivering exceptionally smooth and precise performance.

One of its most ingenious features is the cartridge alignment system. Contrary to the norm of its time, SME chose fixed mounting holes on the headshell and made the base mount of the tonearm slotted, allowing the overhang to be adjusted with both simplicity and accuracy, without compromising rigidity. Tracking force adjustment also reflects the design’s meticulous approach: a main threaded counterweight balances the arm to zero grams, while a secondary “rider weight,” mounted on a lateral outrigger, slides along a graduated scale to apply precise downforce.

Despite its delicate appearance, the SME 3009 is remarkably easy to install—provided a compatible mounting is available. Once correctly fitted, the arm proves to be stable, intuitive to fine-tune, and impressively consistent in sonic delivery. The tactile feel is one of controlled lightness and measured fluidity, the result of engineering that aims to minimize friction and mechanical interference.

In listening, the 3009 impresses with its open sound and natural midrange. The tonal balance is refined and unforced, and it truly shines with acoustic, classical, or jazz recordings, where its transparency and microdynamic finesse come through clearly. Despite its age, its tracking performance still competes with many modern arms, thanks to its ability to work harmoniously with a range of cartridge masses and compliance values.

The SME 3009 is not merely a collectible piece, but a tonearm that continues to deliver outstanding audio performance. Its mechanical build quality, precision of adjustment, and sonic balance make it a top choice for those seeking the best of analog playback, infused with the timeless charm of classic hi-fi.

Technical specifications:

• Tonearm: 9″ J-shaped with anodised aluminium armtube
• Mounting distance: 215.4 mm
• Effective mass: 6.5 g (fixed headshell), 9 g (detachable headshell)
• Connection: SME standard 4-pin parallel
• Weight: 0.82 kg