Sme tonearm teflon
Sme tonearm teflon series#
The Series II improved was only available in 9″ length, but it came in two versions, one with a fixed headshell and one without – again this was to reduce weight, to be used with high-compliance cartridges.Īddendum: In 1978 SME introduced the SME 3009 Series III, with a completely different look and functionality than the rest. My 3009 Series II Improved tonearm during restoration The main difference here between the Series II and the Improved version is the counter-weight assembly – the knife-bearing was converted from a steel knife-edge to a plastic edge and the counter-weight would be fixed also to a plastic carrier. This meant producing tonearms with a lower effective mass, and this was achieved with much slimmer tonearm. This tonearm was lighter and meant for sporting high-compliance cartridges.įor an explanation on compliance and matching of cartridges and tonearms – look forward to the article Introduction to tonearms I myself have had issues on my Luxman PD-441, since it requires the feet to be adjusted outside their optimal range.Īfter 10 years, production stopped in 1972 with the introduction of the SME 3009 Series II Improved tonearm. This was done by the seller, as a means of fitting the tonearm to the turntable. The slanted SME headshell on a Series IIīoth the Series I and the Series II both sports downwards-facing tonearm connectors – this was an issue with some turntables, so you might find a turntable (Like an ERA or early Delphon) that was originally sold with the SME tonearm mounted, where the entire subchassis of the tonearm has been removed.
This because it was a very sold tonearm.Īs for headshells, there exists different versions solid white on black background, either “Shure SME” or just a slanted “SME” for the Series II and a straight “SME” with a white outline for the later SME Series II Improved tonearms. This makes them a bit more balanced to look at.Ĭompared with the Series I, this is very much easier to find in good condition. A picture of my Series IIīoth the Series I and the Series II seems to have almost the same “balance” between arm length behind and in front of the knife-bearing. The major difference being the top of the bearing assembly, the lifting mechanism and the shape of the counter-weight. The Series II version is very similar with the series I from a visual standpoint. In 1962 the Series II tonearm took the place of the Series I after 3 years of production. A black and white image of the SME 3009 Series I. This tonearm is easily identified with the top of the bearing assembly being round, and sporting a flat piece of metal for the antiskating-weight assembly. The production started in 1959, with a very small number of produced tonearms, with all individually machined parts. They introduced the design idea: it utilized a S-shaped tonearm, with a horizontal ball-bearing, a knife-edged bearing for the vertical movement and a rider weight for countering the offset caused by the S-shaped tonearm. The first 3009 (Also known as Series I) and 3012 where in themselves rather crude in design, but at the same time, simple and well engineered tonearms. As for matching cartridge, turentable and tonearm – this is something i will cover in a later article.
As for technical specs, these are easily found around the internet and from SME themselves. This writeup will focus on the differences and what to look for when you purchase them. a 3009 Series II – Picture by 3009 tonearms consists of four major revisions or series, with subversions under them again. that were produced from 1959 to around 1986.
This article will be an overview and guide into the world of the vintage tonearms of SME, specifically the 3000-series in its different versions and series.