Difference between SME 3009 VS. RB 300?

Goroi: There were different versions of the 3009 (the later/lighter versions will limit the types of cartridges that can be matched up). Because of this I would not go beyond a 3009II (non-improved version) if considering this arm (from there on the mass was reduced). The 3009R has a fixed headshell and is a bit more solid, though I find the azimuth adjustment on the 3009II (non-improved) to come in handy.

I am also curious about the Rega arms (the modded 250 seems to be the most popular) and only ended up with the 3009II as it was included with my current deck @ a price that I could not pass up ($199 for a TD125 MkII/SME 3009II combo).

What I would really like (down the road) is an arm that has adjustable VTA, on the fly (this would make me a happy camper). I wonder if such a mod is available for the Rega arms?

Dekay, there are several VTA adjusters available for all the Rega arms. But, they are not "on the fly" adjustable. Origin Live and Express Machining both make them, and I think there are others. Typical price is around $40. Not the easiest thing to use, but does the job. If you could design an "on the fly" adjuster for the Rega arms, you could retire on the money you'd make off of it.

Audiogoners,thanks a lot for the information....
Curiously, Jonjacques,what happened with the extensive comparisons?

Dekay, I am working on a design for an "on-the-fly" VTA adjuster for the Rega/OL arms. Should have a prototype up and running soon.

finished (almost) the fully modified td160/sme 3009 table. Comparisions with Rega 25 and Aurum Beta S cartridge show the limitations of the OM 10 super cartridge which is more harsh and slightly diminished soundstage. However, the sme arm is quite beautiful and the mounting plate from Flat Earth Audio allows a relatively quick replacement. The arm can't move back quite enough for perfect alignment, but it is close. Dialing in the sme is still on-going. I just purchased a Wright-Sound phono pre so next week I should be able to take my parasound phono pre to the office for the clash of the AR XA vs. td/160 sme.