SME precision pick-up arms offer a standard of design and engineering which has earned them many distinctions. Throughout the world thousands are in daily use by enthusiasts, profesionals, broadcasting and recording companies, who appreciate a specification that is eminently suited to the needs of modern high quality sound reproduction.
The realism and clarity of a stereo record reflect the skill and technical perfection underlying its manufacture. Only when this is maintained in the reproducing equipment can justice be done to the art of the recording engineers. In playing a gramophone record the stylus must follow a path of extraordinary complexity and be highly compliant if the minute detail of the groove is to be traced without damage. Even the best cartridge cannot achieve this unless it is poised free from extraneous influences. The design of a carrying arm capable of realizing the full potential of pick-up and record is highly specialized involving many problems. These have been successfully resolved in the SME, an instrument of unrivalled quality presented with confidence that the user will endorse the claim "The best pick-up arm in the world"
Two models are made, 3009 and 3012, pivot to stylus distance 9 and 12 inches respectively. The most popular is the 3009 because it can be accommodated in a smaller space. It is also lighter and for this reason sometimes preferred for a very high compliance cartridge. However, the 3012 is also suitable in this respect as the effective mass is not greatly different and is further reduced by an improved dynamic damping system now fitted. Tracking error is lower which is an advantege, especially when using an elliptical stylus.
Extremely low pivot friction is achieved by the use of high precision ball races protected against the entry of dust. The tonearm is carried on knifeedge bearings. Approximately ,020 gramme applied at the stylus will deflect the arm vertically or laterally. The bearings never require adjustment.
Low inertia. This is as important as low friction and must be considered with it. Careful design of the balance system and choice of material for tone arm and shell keep inertia suitably low in either model for high compliance cartridges.
Low distortion due to tracking error is provided by geometry which aims at lowest distortion rather than lowest tracking error. Intermodulation distortion due to the latter varies in inverse proportion to the radius. Thus an error of ½° at 2" radius would cause as much distortion as 1½° at 6" radius. Speedy and accurate adjustment for optimum tracking is made as shown opposite.
lever operated hydraulic raising and lowering control effective anywhere over the record giving automatic controlled descent-fascinating to use-safeguards valuable records.
Bias adjuster. The working of this important feature is explained opposite. The SME system is functional and adjustable for different tracking forces. Its simplicity ensures long term stability not otherwise obtained.
Cartridges weighing from 3 to 17 grammes can be balanced longitudinally and laterally. The arm is, itself, a precision balance and a predetermined tracking force of ¼ to 5 grammes can be applied exactly. No gauge is required and accuracy exceeds by far any but professional measuring devices.
The 4' miniature co-axial connecting lead has a capacity of only 27 pf. per foot ensuring that electrical resonance with cartridge inductance will be well outside the audio range. Terminated at one end to fit the shielded output socket under the arm and with SME Precision Phono Plugs at the other. Other lengths, 2' and 6' are available.
Shell accepts all cartridges with ½" fixing centres. Includes connecting tails with pin jacks, finger lift and light alloy mounting hardware. Weighs only 6 grammes and offers a valuable reduction in mass at the point of greatest effect.
Dynamic damping of the arm mass-stylus compliance resonance is obtained by dividing the arm mass into two portions joined by an elastic coupling of improved design. This system is also effective in rejecting rumble frequencies.
Camera finish in satin-chrome gun-black and anodised alloy. All parts precision machined, heat-treated and ground where necessary.
Rational development. Time to time improvements can by incorporated in earlier Series II arms.
Efficient after sales service and technical advice from the factory.
Specifications SME 3009, (3012)
Nominal lenght, pivot-stylus (dependent on cartridge): 9", (12")
Distance required between turntable surface and cabinet lid: 1⅜" , (1⅜")
Distance required below top surface of motor board: 3" , (3")
Height adjustment: ¾" , (¾")
Trcking adjustment: ±½" , (±½")
Shipping carton size: 11⅝" x 4⅛" x 7" , (15½" x 4⅛" x 7")
Gross weight in carton: 1 lb 12½ oz , (2 lb 1 oz)
