SME - Model 309 Tonearm

The Series 300 tonearms broadens the application of SME technology. A unique one-piece magnesium tonearm is used for the Model 309. The detachable magnesium headshell has a new style coupling, providing the convenience of rapid cartridge interchange without loss of rigidity. The Model 309 offers a performance and manufacturing excellence unmatched by many more expensive models.

- Unique pressure die-cast magnesium shell detachable and interchangeable without disturbing cartridge or wiring.

· New design clamping arrangement ensures rigid junction with tone-arm.

· Internal constrained layer damps minute residual vibrations making tone-arm acoustically inert.

· Stainless steel cross shaft, ground and thread ground. Carried in massive yoke on 10mm precision ball races. Axis at record mean level to minimise warp-wow.

· Unique assembly gives high rigidity and allows bearings to be critically adjusted before tone-arm is fitted.

· Stainless steel vertical shaft, ground and thread ground, with integral 16mm diameter flange to couple shaft and yoke.

· 23mm diameter steel pillar, heat treated, ground and honed, carries two 17mm precision ball races, widely spaced to resist tilt.

· Anti-skate control operates through tension spring and filament. Dial corresponds with VTF and has positive OFF position.

· Lowering/raising control gives smooth positive action. Height of lift can be adjusted.

· Dual-lock base provides movement control with high rigidity.

· Tungsten-alloy balance weight carried on damped two-point suspension. Extra-low inertia design assists warp riding.

· Underslung weight housing corrects centre of gravity and provides non reflective tone-arm termination.

· Swivelling, damped output socket minimises vibration transmission in sub-chassis use.

· Reference lines on tone-arm facilitate VTA setting.

· Fine adjustment of horizontal tracking angle (HTA).

· New design alignment protractor sets HTA with great accuracy.

· Cartridge leads and internal wiring LCOFC litz.

· Balanced LCOFC audio lead with gold plated phono plugs.