Monitor Audio ET500 Turntable / SME Model 3009 S2 Improved Tonearm

ET500 Turntable

The ET 500 turntable unit from Monitor Audio is the result of detailed research into the effect the turntable can have on the music played. Without doubt, if a turntable transmits the sound vibrations of the music to the cartridge, this feedback will affect the sound. The effect is greater at high listening levels, up to a point where the system breaks into oscillation, causing a rapidly increasing 'howl' to come from the speakers.

High Density Plinth
In order to minimize the above effect, the plinth of the ET 500 is made from a special acoustically dead laminate, consisting of two layers of high density particle board, sandwiched between which is a 2 mm layer of lead. The construction of this laminate has been calculated to place any resonances well out of the audio spectrum, and tests have shown that even when placed directly in front of a high powered loudspeaker, very high sound pressure levels may be reached before any oscillation occurs.

Anti-Vibration Feet
Direct vibrations transmitted through the surface on which the ET 500 is standing are absorbed by the special anti-vibration feet fitted to the unit. The high density of the plinth together with the resonance of these feet, is tuned to give the optimum rejection of external influences.

Separate Power Unit
It has been found that no matter how carefully it is mounted, a mains transformer will generate a considerable hum field, as well as passing vibrations at the mains frequency through its mounting. For this reason, no transformer is fitted to the ET 500 plinth, but is housed in a totally separate power supply unit. A low power light emitting diode is used for the strobe illumination, so no mains voltage is applied to the turntable unit.

Interchangeable Arm Mounting
The ET500 is fitted with a removable pick-up arm mounting plate, so that virtually any arm may be fitted. Pre-cut plates are available for SME, Formula 4 arm, but blank plates can easily be cut for other arms (available separately).

Direct Drive Motor
The advantages of the direct drive system are well enough known to require no further explanation. Rumble and wow and flutter are below the level of audibility, and the anti-resonance qualities of the plinth, give the ET 500 a performance equalled by very few other units.

Speed Adjustment
Both speeds 33.3 and 45 rpm can be individually adjusted, strobe bars being provided for either 50 or 60 Hz operation. The range of adjustment is approximately plus or minus 3%.

Pushbutton Control
Speed selection and stop/ start functions are controlled by small, micro action pushbuttons. Miniature LED indicators show the function selected.

Acrylic Cover
The high quality acrylic cover of the ET 500 is fitted with friction hinges which are designed. to support the cover at angles greater than 45°. If required, the cover may be completely removed.

Model 3009 S2 Improved Tonearm

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

• Low friction pivots
• 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

ET500 Turntable

Drive System: Direct drive with platter mounted to motor shaft
Speeds: 33.3 and 45 rpm
Speed Variation: ± 3% pitch variation by screwdriver adjustable controls, LED strobe Illumination
Wow and Flutter: 0.055% weighted
Rumble: - 65 dB weighted
Plinth: High density laminate of particle board and lead
Arm Fitting: Separate mounting plate allows fitting of most tone arms with fixing centre of between 190.5 and 239 mm from the turntable centre
Power Unit: Separate 18-volt stabilized power unit supplied
Voltage Requirement: 110/130 or 210/250 V
Turntable:
Dimensions: 470 (W) x 368 (D) x 133 (H) mm
Weight: 10.0 kg
Power Supply:
Dimensions: 96 (W) x 168 (D) x 70 (H) mm
Weight: 1.0 kg

SME Model 3009 S2 Improved Tonearm

Audio Cable: 1.22 m RCA Phono plugs
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
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

Turnaround

Orders will usually dispatched within 2 working days of receiving cleared payment.

Shipping Rates

We calculate your shipping rate based on the total weight of your items and your delivery address. Standard shipping to the UK Mainland (excludes Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands) is free, except where specifically indicated. Don't worry, you'll always see the final shipping charge displayed before you reach the payment step (on the checkout page).

Carriers

We despatch the bulk of our UK mainland items on a 24 hour service.  Non-Mainland locations – Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, the Scottish highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland may take a day or so longer. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail 24 or special delivery. Larger items are delivered using a courier service such as UPS and occasionally by a Pallet service.

Order Tracking

If a tracking # is provided by the carrier, we will update your order with the tracking information. Please note that some orders will not have tracking numbers.