Rejuvenating Cure (hifi & records 1-2006)

Summary… (unofficial translation)

...it is to be divided naturally with difficulty apart, which portion which of the modifications in the long run at the result has. The “sharp” knife edge bearing and the flexible wiring lead reliably to more freedom of movement and might provide for the new sleaziness of the SME Oldies. The bronze groundplate might be responsible for more bass. But like it, in this form the SME 3009-R also is its homeland on my Thorens TD 124 will find. Thus grows together finally, which belongs together.

hifi+records_sme_tweaks_1-06.pdf - 304 kB

Review: TNT-Audio - Bronze knife edge bearing

Do I recommend the bronze bearing ? Yes!

When used with the bronze bearing, the SME 3009R sticks up to the old war horse SME3009-2 of the sixties from musicality, better said flow and naturalness. Until now, it was a decision of heart for Garrard or Verdier owners: do I take the old SME 3012/2 which sounds so musical, or the new SME3012RM which sounds cleaner, but also “cold”. Most folks, who know the differences opt for the old tonearm when they have the opportunity to get one in good condition. Do I recommend the bronze bearing ? Yes! Owners of a SME3009R with plastic knife edge bearing, who always thought of upgrading to metal knife edge bearing, they now get an option, which is both cheaper (about 30% less) and sonically more rewarding. But the bearing upgrade is also interesting for owners of the SME3009RM with steel knife edge bearings, as the sonic benefits are way beyond that which you can buy for the same investment in cartridges.
Read the full article on TNT-Audio (english)
Read the full article on TNT-Audio (italian)

Review: TNT-Audio Bronze-Groundplate

This is a great result…

Again, the benefits of the modifications have been stronger than those normally gained with new cables or a change of pickup. This is a great result. Do I recommend the bronze base ? Yes, I recommend it for all SME knife edge bearing tonearms, as it is bringing only benefits and no losses, and last but not least, it is rather easy to do the modification.
Both tonearms now have a quality that is more than a threat to 12 inch Ortofon tonearms. Before, the Ortofon tonearms were said to have better bass performance compared to the SME knife edge tonearms, specially when using Ortofon SPU or similiar cartridges. Now, since this bronze base modification is available it is clear that SME tonearms can play powerful and dynamic with Ortofon SPU cartridges.
Read the full article on TNT-Audio (english)
Read the full article on TNT-Audio (italian)