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Cagematch: SME 3009 vs Jelco 750

Which would you keep?

  • Total voters
    27
asilker

asilker

Super Member
As I've mentioned in other threads, I'm rebuilding a Thorens TD124 mki. Currently in the house I'm running a Jelco 750d arm on the old table, a 750L set aside for the TD124, and the 3009 sii unimproved that came with the td124.

The original intention was to flip the 3009 and move up to the 12" Jelco. The problem is that the 3009 is so... Pretty.

I don't usually collect redundant gear because it's hard for me to afford. If you could keep either an SME 3009 or Jelco 750L, what would it be?
 
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I like both tonearms, both compliment each other very well. I like the SME for higher compliance (unless it is a 3009 II or 3012), I like the Jelco for medium mass and higher mass applications. Both are outstanding arms, both will serve you well reliably for years.
 
Never have had the pleasure of listening to an SME 3009 but have spent time with the SA-750 and it is a fine arm for the $$.
-Matt
 
asilker said:
The problem is that the 3009 is so... Pretty.

I don't usually collect redundant gear because it's hard for me to afford. If you could keep either an SME 3009 or Jelco 750L, what would it be?
Click to expand...

I would keep the SME. I think they look just the way a tonearm should look :)
 
From the two you listed, the 3009 sure is purtty. And if it came on the old table, probably sounds good on it.
From the ones Mr. Pig mentioned, Audiomods V is probably the most intriguing. But it kinda runs into the Well Tempered Trap for me - I have no doubt it sounds phenomenal, but having a nice, solid turntable only to put on a tonearm with all those holes....
 
I have owned both and used them on my TD-124. In fact, I have owned at least three 3009 unimproveds (a '63, a '64 and a '71) and one improved. I love the way they look, but they all caused me headaches... they all hummed, buzzed, crackled or had channel drop-outs, typically due to the collet. I know that many folks love them, but I never was able to get one that was trouble-free. They sure look good though.

I finally gave up and bought a gently used SA-750D off Barter Town, and I absolutely love it. I bought a Denon DL-103 to complement it and have been completely happy. I think the Jelco sounds much more composed than the SME, possibly because of the fluid dampening.

Before:
eaqXTDc.jpg


Now:
Jeg9omt.jpg
 
asilker said:
As I've mentioned in other threads, I'm rebuilding a Thorens TD124 mki. Currently in the house I'm running a Jelco 750d arm on the old table, a 750L set aside for the TD124, and the 3009 sii unimproved that came with the td124.

The original intention was to flip the 3009 and move up to the 12" Jelco. The problem is that the 3009 is so... Pretty.

I don't usually collect redundant gear because it's hard for me to afford. If you could keep either an SME 3009 or Jelco 750L, what would it be?
Click to expand...

Keep them both and mount them both, sell something else. I have the short Jelco 750D on my AR The Turntable, sounds good. The table won't take the longer arm, which is why I voted for the 750 over the SME.
 
asilker said:
As I've mentioned in other threads, I'm rebuilding a Thorens TD124 mki. Currently in the house I'm running a Jelco 750d arm on the old table, a 750L set aside for the TD124, and the 3009 sii unimproved that came with the td124.

The original intention was to flip the 3009 and move up to the 12" Jelco. The problem is that the 3009 is so... Pretty.

I don't usually collect redundant gear because it's hard for me to afford. If you could keep either an SME 3009 or Jelco 750L, what would it be?
Click to expand...
At the end of the day as long as there is a SME on the table I don't have a problem you..:biggrin:
Do I still need to cast a vote..:rflmao:
 
Thanks for the input folks. I was able to listen tonight for a few hours of td124 with 3009 and London Decca super good - audio research pre - 211 SET - Klipsch Belle

Loved the Decca gold cart. My friend said repeatedly that he thinks the Jelco arms are remarkable, beyond anything he has used up to this point. I realize he hasn't done SOTA/SME V or setups like that, but I like the conical too and high mass combo.

I think I'll stick with my gut and lean toward the 12" Jelco. It would be fun to investigate a bit farther into that world
 
asilker said:
Thanks for the input folks. I was able to listen tonight for a few hours of td124 with 3009 and London Decca super good - audio research pre - 211 SET - Klipsch Belle

Loved the Decca gold cart. My friend said repeatedly that he thinks the Jelco arms are remarkable, beyond anything he has used up to this point. I realize he hasn't done SOTA/SME V or setups like that, but I like the conical too and high mass combo.

I think I'll stick with my gut and lean toward the 12" Jelco. It would be fun to investigate a bit farther into that world
Click to expand...
Or like the Pig said, a SME 309, could be found for $1200 -$1400
 
ChristopherP said:
Keep them both and mount them both, sell something else.
Click to expand...

They would have to be mounted on opposite sides of a TD-124 or else one will interfere with the other - and that would sort of get in the way of using the clutch. Corner placement of one is not an option either.

That's why 2-arm TD-124's almost always have both a 12" arm a 9" arm.

1230395-thorens-td124-w-custom-plinth-amp-two-tonearms.jpg


thorens2.jpg


EDIT: I now see that the OP has a 750L, which will work OK with the 3009!
 
Last edited:
Can anyone find a photo of a TD 124 with a SME 309 arm? I have not been able to see the two together, and I wonder if the two design eras would look funny together
 
Here's mine. It is a bit of a contrast; I prefer a traditional look to the tonearm, especially on this table. But it sounds better so I'm ok with it. image.png

image.jpeg
 
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