FONS CQ30 Turntable / SME Model 3009 Series II Improved Tonearm

Here we have a well-regarded vintage turntable from Scottish company Fons. Our CQ-30 is fitted with an SME Model 3009 Series II Improved tonearm, and is in good condition considering its age. It will be professionally packaged and comes with our regular three month warranty.
Fons Said….
The Fons Turntable begins where others leave off. It is small, smart and superior to any critic’s turntable needs. The Fons Turntable, a Hamish Robertson design, brings todays needed audio qualities out in full splendour. The Fons CQ-30 Turntable incorporates new major achievements to do this.
Outstanding features are the Hyper-Concentric main bearing (patents pending), developed over years of intensive and exhaustive experience by the Hamish Robertson designers. This insures that the rumble factor is reduced far below useful and employable measurement. The main bearing of the Fons CQ-30 is a major achievement in itself, the concentricity being of the order of ± 0.00003. We know of no other turntable which comes anywhere near this accuracy in general production.
Close absolute tolerance precision engineering on the 12” black anodized aluminium high mass platter makes certain that wow and flutter are also reduced to total meaningless figures when coupled with the unique Fons drive system.
The turntable incorporates three speeds, all continuously adjustable in the three ranges, 33/45/78, with a total variable range of 29 rpm to 100 rpm (normal). The chosen range is indicated by selector switches, and to assure exact and precise speed, a 50/60 cycle stroboscope disc is provided. Most outstanding is a total conversion of AC to DC current, that allows full electronic control, quite independent of the main voltage and/or frequency fluctuation. This insures stability and total “Broadcast Transcription performance”. Once the desired speed is set, it stays that way. It is totally unlike the majority of so-called transcription turntables which are, in fact, dependent completely upon supply voltage and frequency stability.
For further assurance of perfection, a special DC type motor employing gold and silver plated components affords long and trouble free life to the Fons CQ-30 users. It is coupled to the turntable by a specially made belt, further minimizing noise carryover. Another feature of this extraordinary motor is the inclusion od a rotary VDR (Voltage Dependent Resistor) to eliminate bothersome radiation interference.
Specifications:
Speeds: 33.3/45/78 rpm adjustable
Platter: 12” diameter high mass
Rumble, Wow and Flutter: Typically – 80 dB and better than 0.02%
Cover: Heavy gauge smoked with self-support hinges
Power Requirements: 110/250 V AC, 50/60 Hz. 9 watts max
Dimensions: 445 (W) x 343 (D) x 153 (H) mm
Weight: 8.62 kg
SME Said….
SME Model 3009 Series II Improved precision pick-up arms combine latest design features with the same high quality engineering and finish that made their predecessors famous for more than a decade. Each arm is meticulously built and tested and will meet its specification reliably through many years of service. Skilful design and choice of materials combine high mechanical strength with low inertia and friction ensuring full suitability for professional as well as domestic application. Technically correct and aesthetically satisfying the SME has been called “The best pick-up arm in the world” and we believe you will find this to be true.
Sensitivity and strength combine with versatility to ensure the continuing popularity of the Series II Improved design which is available In two versions.
Model 3009/S2 is the standard arm having a typical pivot to stylus distance of 231.2 mm. Average effective mass is 12.5 grams. It is the one most frequently used and has a detachable headshell, S2, which is interchangeable with others of similar pattern.
Model 3009 is generally similar, but the headshell is non-detachable, saving weight and reducing the average effective mass to 9.5 grams. This can provide better matching for high compliance cartridges by raising the system resonance above the critical 5 – 8 Hz region in which excitation by record warp occurs.
Both models have a polished bright-anodised aluminium tone arm 9.5 mm diameter with a wall thickness of 0.56 mm. A fibrous lining assists the dissipation of acoustic information.
The S2 headshell is pressed from aluminium alloy, rationally perforated for lightness and strength.
Series II Improved arms are compact and easily adjustable. Their balance range can be widened if desired with one or another of the accessory weights offered for the purpose.
Straightforward design makes them a popular choice with enthusiasts and professional users throughout the world. Each arm is meticulously built and tested and will meet its specification reliably for many years.
Features & Specifications:
Low friction pivots. Vertical axis: high-precision, fully protected ballraces. Horizontal axis: 0.005” radius knife-edges rolling in planished chrome seating’s. Less than 0.02 gram applied at the stylus will deflect the arm
Low inertia. Fixed elements of the balance system are light. Movable elements are heavy and close to the fulcrum
Precise tracking force up to 1.5 grams applied without a tracking force gauge
Bias adjustable to correspond with tracking force
Base slides on bedplate for tracking adjustment with protractor
Fluid damped lowering and raising control.
Audio Cable: 1.22 m RCA Phono plugs
Dimensions:
Nominal Length: 231.2 mm (pivot to stylus)
Distance From Bedplate Centre To Turntable Centre: 215.4 mm
Tracking adjustment: ± 12.7 mm
Overall Height: 60.3 – 79.3 mm