SME 3009-III
Little is documented about the SME 3009-III beyond its appearances in period audio reviews. Here is what the record shows. It is a static-balance tonearm with multiple counterweights, adjustable overhang, and an effective length of 9 inches (22.86 cm). Audio (May 1981, p.52) rated the arm highly. If a truly comprehensive competition were held to pick the world's best pickup arm, the reviewer said, the 3009 III would be a major contender.
The same review published measured geometry. Pivot-to-turntable center distance is 8.5 inches (216 mm), pivot-to-stylus distance is 236.5 mm, and there is about 2.5 inches (64 mm) of clearance behind the pivot. The reviewers found little to fault. The headshell is short on space, though, and some cartridges need the connector pins bent at right angles and carefully dressed to fit.
A follow-up test in the June 1981 issue (p.66) paired the arm with the Shure MV30HE cartridge. That combination equaled the reference system in almost every category and beat it in most. The review also credited a counterweight change from the V15 Type IV setup with lowering effective dynamic mass and improving performance.
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