SAEC 308N vs 308SX

Dear Lewm, the V-Blocks inside the SX model are made of ruby just like in WE506 & WE8000ST and the whole bearing is encapsuled for protection.

Thank, Geoch. This is not so for the 308N? I had the impression that the SX designation might have something to do with the material of which the arm wand is made, but I am far from certain, which is why I asked. Anyway, your info would suggest why there is such a large price differential between the two.

I used to own a regular 308 and a 308SX, but not at the same time, if memory serves me well. All these suffixes of N, L, SX are confusing. But I remember it visually and the counterweight is heavier with a bigger diameter chunk at the back. I think they were originally for heavy cartridges like SPU. Not so sure, just a hunch. All SAEC arms have amazing bearings. When you pull the armwand, there's no slop or chatter whatsoever in the bearings. None. That's a great start for a quiet system.

However, it had a rather sterile sound so I didn't have much luck with the sound but back then I didn't know what I was doing so I cannot be fair and that was probably 20 years ago. It was purchased for only $200 at the time. The design was the Japanese's answer to the SME. Build quality is better than a typical SME 3009 and much better bearings. The one nitpicking is that I prefer SME's way of doing antiskating because it's independent from the vertical movement. The SAEC uses a rod attached to the counterweight post and that might hinder vertical movement.

I would give it another shot, if I acquire one.

_______

I have the WE-308N and have never found the sound 'sterile' unless the cartridge provided that quality.
I agree with Hiho about the quality of the bearings.
This arm gives me enormous pleasure and along with the Micro Seiki MA-505S.......is one of the bargain vintage arms one can readily procure.

Dear Lewm: Other that what Geoch mentioned the SX is in another league in the SAEC line this one belongs to the 506/407 top of the line, all these one are build the same and differ only on effective length, all these comes with the 18grs. ceramic headshell. The SX is in between about effective length where the 407 is the shortest and the 506 the larger one.

All the other 308s along the 317 were the entry level that don't include tyhe first rate top of the line quality even comes with different headshell due that the ceramic one was a expensive one an unique to the topo of the line SAEC tonearms.

Lew, as good the SAEC ones the GST-801 is worth to try before and IMHO outperform the SAECs. Of course that if you are entilted with the SAEC SX go for it is a nice tonearm with very good build quality.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.