SME V vs 309 Sonic Differences


Hi all,

I've read from a few sources one or two line comments like "The SME 309 gives up surprisingly little" when compared to the SME V. I've also seen a comment "most of the difference is in the tonearm cable." But in trying to nail down the true performance difference I have done numerous searches on both google and AudiogoN and can't seem to come up with anything beyond these one-liners.

Does anyone have experience with both arms that can give some insight? I just committed to an SME 309 and am wondering what it sonically gives up. Based on what it gives up, I'm wondering if the SME V would ever make sense as an upgrade, and what upgrade path exists for the 309 itself as either general improvements or targeted changes to specifically narrow the gap with the V. Any personal experiences with any possible upgrades is also welcome.

(Also, on a side note - I've heard some say the SMEs can be dark or too analytical. Is there any truth to that?)

Thanks everyone!
Greg
gsoravil
In search for a nice cable for a nice price I suggest you include in selection Audio origami rewires/cables web. They can't compete brandwise with others but Dollar for Dollar.......
Disclaimer: I am not related in business with them, just got one cable from them years ago and still enjoy it.
Enjoy your 309
Gsoravil,
y.a.:
>>> What percentage of the overall gain from the stock 309 to the V with cable upgrade would you say was the cable itself? 30%, 50%?<<<

The vdH silver-hybrid is NOT the stock V cable, it is a separate "SME upgrade item" at least that is my understanding.
Only the V arm internal wiring is done with pure silver wire compared to the 309 high purity copper arm wire.
On the 309 I'd say the silver-hybrid phono cable was 10-15% max. improvement with the V definitely more noticeable about 20-25% maybe a bit more, if one would attempt to express this in a figure which is somewhat ~ questionable.

>>> Also, do you get the sense the damping trough would help the 309? <<<

No, I don't think the damping trough is value added with the 309 due to it's more benign high and low frequency behaviour. It starts to make sense with the IV.vi arm which is really not a IV arm, but a stripped down V arm.

>>> Lastly, if you don't mind would you expand on what type of table and cartridge you're running so I have a better idea of equipment class? <<<

As I mentioned, I use(d) a Windfeld (top of Ortofon's range, but also their Jubilee, the runner up).
The table is a SME-10.
Greetings,
I was eyeballing that Winfeld... I am running a Kontrapunkt b (based on the Jubilee). Might go Jubilee someday unless I score a good second hand Winfeld that I could retip.

I got my 309 the other day and did a half-hearted mounting job on my spare table (wanted to make sure I like it before cutting the heck out of the plinth). Seems to have more clarity but less highs than the Acos that was on the table. Maybe this is the copper internals or the tonearm cable that came with it? What makes this arm stand out seems to be the way in which these arms hold their settings. I am using the stock cable like I stated, but have been eyeing this home-made cable on eBay made with four nines silver and done in a litz braid. He has a full refund policy so can't hurt to try it I suppose...
Scratch my comment on the highs. It would seem my cart is merely taking a few hours, adjusting to being setup closer to spec... :-)
Gsoravil,
I had the Kontrapunkt-B on my 309, afraid to say that even the Jubilee puts it in its more ~ 'budget' place, never mind the Windfeld. I was 'crying' to my Jubilee back from a repair/check-up and was given the Kontrapunkt-B as a kind loan in the meantime. The Jubilee is a distinct upgrade, it does EVERYTHING a bit better, not the smallest argument as I experienced it.
Greetings,