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SME 309 or SME 3009r?

I have both arms. My turntable is an Avid Sequel. My cartridge is a Benz LP. I want to rewire one of the arms, but don't know which would sound best. I currently have the 309 on the table so I know how that one performs. I've had the 3009r for quite sometime just sitting on a shelf. It's in terrific shape and the person who gave it to me, and has since passed away, thought it would outperform the 309. Does anyone have an informed opinion? Thanks.

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pesky_wabbit's avatar
pesky_wabbit
1,183 posts
 

I don‘t rate the 3009 at all. In the early 80’s we couldn‘t get them off our tt‘s quick enough. Kill PRAT stone dead. Absolutely no idea why the nostalgia buffs go on about them. Probably because they look cool. The bearings are cr**

I agree with @dover - sell them both and buy a better one..

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neptune123's avatar
neptune123 OP
23 posts
 

Dover, thanks for taking the time and effort to offer an informed and well-measured opinion. 

pesky_wabbit's avatar
pesky_wabbit
1,183 posts
 

based on reading some specificatons

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drrsutliff
834 posts
 

The 3009r is well respected compared to many of the 3009 versions that followed.  The larger version (3012r) is employed on some of the top TT setups in the world.  You may want to explore this on the What’s Best forum. 

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