The SAEC 308 series of tone arms are one of the few best kept secrets in audio still. The 308N is still valued by the Japanese audiophile, and adherents of the Shun Mook audio philosophy are very positive about this arm. All of the SAEC arms have climbed to astronomical prices due to their collectible, but for now the 30*N has remained under the radar and is remarkably affordable. Fonolabs consistently get in excess of $600 for a basic 308N with no extras, so this particular arm with upgraded tone arm cable and custom alignment protractor is that much better of a value.
The 308N is influenced by the SME 3009, but builds upon the strengths of those remarkable arms. The 308N uses a double knife edge bearing that overcomes the limitations of the single knife blade design that SME used. Machine work and fit and finish are first class, this is a beautifully built arm. Comes with an Audiocraft aluminum head shell. Bias weight is OEM. There are no major knicks or dings on this arm, it is in fine shape.
Comes with the Audioquest Wild Cat tone arm cable, which is a $100 add on. Also comes with the Accutrak alignment protractor that is custom built for the SAEC arm. Protractor is set up for the 335mm mounting distance set by the factory, and offers an arc path for setting over hang, and grids for SAEC Proprietary, Lofgren A, Baerwald, and Stevenson alignment methods. Accutrak gets $55 for their alignment protractor.
Price is $500
Arm specifications:
Effective length: 240,0mm
Overhang: 5,0mm
Offset angle: 12,5
Effective mass: >12,0g
Cartridge weight range: 5,0g – 11,0g
Height range: 45,5mm – 62,5mm
Mounting hole: 27,0mm
I have used a ZYX 4D and Benz Micro cartridge on this arm. The sound is very refined and smooth, and yet maintains the subtle detail that a good cartridge can extract form a record. This is one of the best affordable tone arms I have heard on the used market for $500. Superior to the typical Rega, not really much of a comparison, and this tone arm does allow for VTA adjustment.
