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Cartridge Suggestion for SME 3009 S2 Improved

K&E

K&E

New Member
I dug through a few threads, but it's been some time since this question has popped up so it's likely due to be "refreshed".

I own a SME 3009 S2 Improved (removable head-shell) and am in the market for a new (modern) cartridge.
A few previous threads suggested older Grado cartridges, but unfortunately those are unable to be purchased as new stock at this time.

My budget is under $300, and I'm alright with something serviceable rather than being the absolute best choice.

I've been informed (multiple times) that this tonearm prefers high compliance cartridges. Hopefully that helps.
I've also been seeing a bit of arguing over the effective mass. I can't be certain, but Blue Shadow seems to have helped here. Thank you!

Any assistance is welcomed,
Thanks!
 
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9.5 effective mass for those that want to make sure that the resonance frequency is exactly 10Hz or whatever folks insist on for proper playback. I'm more of a 6.5-12.8Hz kind of guy cause this is not finish carpentry work but more rough framing. I got a story about that.
 
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K&E said:
Thanks for the suggestion!

This may be a question for another person. I'm relatively new to this tonearm, I was wondering if it would only work with MM cartridges or if MC cartridges are a choice as well.
Click to expand...
I have the 3009 Improved Non-removable headshell model. Was using a Denon DL-301 MKII MC cartridge which sounded very nice with that arm.
 
One issue I find with these SME arms is that a lot of newer cartridges have a higher tracking force than what these arms can adjust too. If one is setting up as per instructions. Antiskate is also limited to 1.5g.

You can fangle the tracking force using a digital scale and tracking force is stuck at 1.5g. But, I am not too knowledgeable these changes will change all those vector forces on the whole arm. But, it sorta worked okay when I had an ATVM95SH.

I use either a Grace, Shure or Stanton.

Grado would also work.
 
mythless said:
One issue I find with these SME arms is that a lot of newer cartridges have a higher tracking force than what these arms can adjust too. If one is setting up as per instructions. Antiskate is also limited to 1.5g.

You can fangle the tracking force using a digital scale and tracking force is stuck at 1.5g. But, I am not too knowledgeable these changes will change all those vector forces on the whole arm. But, it sorta worked okay when I had an ATVM95SH.

I use either a Grace, Shure or Stanton.

Grado would also work.
Click to expand...
For tracking for higher than 1.5, set wayrod weight at that setting and then just increase extra tracking force with main counterweight.

When using a different headshell than SME, you have to add the extra headshell weight to the cartridge & mounting hardware, which you move the wayrod out to that total weight on gauge. SME headshell weighs around 5 grams. Need to do this for equal force on both knife edge pivot bearings!
 
Ilikevinyl said:
When using a different headshell than SME, you have to add the extra headshell weight to the cartridge & mounting hardware, which you move the wayrod out to that total weight on gauge. SME headshell weighs around 5 grams. Need to do this for equal force on both knife edge pivot bearings!
Click to expand...
That is good to know! I did not know this!
 
Mr Boochie said:
Weight with stock thin wires.
Click to expand...
I have the removable fingerlift that weighs in at about .66 grams. The headshell with thin wires was more than my stylus scale could measure so over 5g. Can't argue with your 5.7 gram fixed fingerlift headshell weight. Guess I'll adjust my calculations to using 6 grams instead of 7
 
I ended up going with the AT VM540ML as it has really great reviews and fits the budget.

I went ahead and weighed my headshell just to help share data. Mine seems to be between 6.57 and 6.59 grams all told.
 

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Blue Shadow said:
I’ve measured ‘em a couple grams higher but that was on a higher range scale. I’ll reweigh them on the tracking force scale for a better number. With wires and finger lift. Only arms don’t use the finger lift on is the Magnepans.
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Have the upgraded SME "R" series headshell on my 3009 Improved arm. Doesn't have the two sets of three holes forward of the screw slots on each side. This headshell weighs a gram heavier.
 
I would say a Shure V-15 or Stanton 881S, but they don't make them anymore just like thy don't make the arm anymore. That should tell you something. Maybe like it is obsolete. I never really liked mine, so got rid of it when linear tracking tone arms made it obsolete. But if I still had mine I would be looking at Denon cartridges even though they are a bit over your budget. Some times you can find good deals on cartridges. A friend recently bought a 110 for less that $370.00.
 
Nagaoka_MP200_on_Sony.jpg

I liked the Nagaoka MP-200 on my 3009. Eventually, I went to MC cartridges.

I'm using the heavier magnesium alloy SH-140 Sony headshell. It helped make the resonance around 8Hz. I am using a heavier counterweight and anti-skate hanging weight for MC use.

Nag_MP_-200_(8Hz).jpg
 
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Mr Boochie said:
I liked the Nagaoka MP-200 on my 3009. Eventually, I went to MC cartridges.

I'm using the heavier magnesium alloy SH-140 Sony headshell. It helped make the resonance around 8Hz. I am using a heavier counterweight and anti-skate hanging weight for MC use.
Click to expand...
Any suggestions on where to purchase a heavier counterweight? I'm clocking 13.18g right now.
 
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