SME Turntable and Tonearm Owners & Discussion Thread

[annapurna]

I did not recall there is a thread for SME discussion.    Lets start it here.

[annapurna]

The SME Synergy comprises a compact new motor unit based on the Model 15, with a special tonearm that closely resembles a Series IV.  This comes pre-fitted with an Ortofon MC Windfeld Ti moving-coil cartridge, and there's a bespoke integrated phono stage by Nagra, with all the wiring by Crystal Cable.

 

https://www.hifichoice.com/content/sme-synergy

[annapurna]

Until the arrival of the Model 6, SME’s most affordable deck was the Model 12A, which currently costs £8550 ($11,900, AU$16,700), including the lovely 309 tonearm. The 12A also forms the basis of the excellent Synergy package, which includes an SME IV tonearm, Ortofon MC Windfield Ti cartridge and Nagra-based phono stage, for £15,950 ($22,995, AU$29,000), that we reviewed around a year ago. It’s a superb way to play records, but no matter how you look at it, that’s a lot of money.

 

Verdict

It would have been easy for SME to make a compromised facsimile of a current product in a bid to achieve a lower price point. Thanks to the brand’s reputation, we suspect it would have still sold well.

But we’re pleased to report that the company hasn’t done that here. Through the use of clever engineering, careful development and innovative materials it has produced a superbly-made and thoroughly capable record player that truly lives up to the brand’s heritage.

If you’ve always wanted one of the company’s turntables but could never quite stretch to buying one, go for this. In all the important ways, you won’t be missing out.

SCORES

·         Sound 5

·         Features 5

·         Build 5

 

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/sme-model-6

Edited February 8, 2021 by annapurna

[Joseph Lazaroo]

As SME owner, I own the SME 20/2A comes complete with the SME V arm hook to a Lyra Kelos/Delos.

Have had this turntable in my collection for the past 10 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With associated equipment Marantz 7, Mono block Model 9, 8B. Marantz Model 10B.  AirTight 211 Mono, AirTight Line Pre 10T, Cary 300B mono Block, SunAudio 300B, Re-Issue Sansui AU111,

Mcintosh MC2120 ,C33, MR78.

Speakers JBL HartsField, Klipschorn.

TurnTables Garrard 301, 401, Thorens TD124 Mk II, Sota Sapphire,  Linn LP12, Linn Basik, Michell GyroDec,

Lenco L75, Transcriptor.

ToneArm SME 3009 Improve, SME 3009R, 3012R, Jelco 250A, Linn Basik, Akito, Ittok, Graham 1.5T, 2.2 C , Phantom II, 

RCM Cleaner KL Audio,  VPI 27 Typhoon,  Loricraft.

Edited February 10, 2021 by jtsamarinda

[annapurna]

On 2/8/2021 at 11:15 PM, jtsamarinda said:

As SME owner, I own the SME 20/2A comes complete with the SME V arm hook to a Lyra Kelos/Delos.

Have had this turntable in my collection for the past 10 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With associated equipment Marantz 7, Mono block Model 9, 8B. Marantz Model 10B.  AirTight 211 Mono, AirTight Line Pre 10T, Cary 300B mono Block, SunAudio 300B, Re-Issue Sansui AU111,

Mcintosh MC2120 ,C33, MR78.

Speakers JBL HartsField, Klipschorn.

TurnTables Garrard 301, 401, Thorens TD124 Mk II, Sota Sapphire,  Linn LP12, Linn Basik, Michell GyroDec,

Lenco L75, Transcriptor.

ToneArm SME 3009 Improve, SME 3009R, 3012R, Jelco 250A, Linn Basik, Akito, Ittok, Graham 1.5T, 2.2 C , Phantom II, 

RCM Cleaner KL Audio,  VPI 27 Typhoon,  Loricraft.

Great to have you Joe contributing to the SME post knowing that you are highly experienced in setting up turntable and cartridges for many analog users here.  Perhaps you can provide some tips and advice to us fellow SME users on how we can maximise the performance of our SME turntable.

 

[blue_starfish]

Remember to do annual servicing as suggested in the manual. Clean the belt and pulleys with lighter fluid. And put 1 drop of 3-in-1 oil into the groove of the motor housing. 

 

This will keep your SME problem free. The tables are so well made that my SME30/2A has been running flawlessly for the last 12 years with this simple maintenance.  

[Connoisseur Audio]

Have had the SME 30/12A in my own collection for a number of years.

[annapurna]

On 2/12/2021 at 8:34 AM, Connoisseur Audio said:

Have had the SME 30/12A in my own collection for a number of years.

Thanks for sharing. Any tips to ensure that the SME 30/12A can perform at its optinum?

On 2/11/2021 at 12:31 PM, blue_starfish said:

Remember to do annual servicing as suggested in the manual. Clean the belt and pulleys with lighter fluid. And put 1 drop of 3-in-1 oil into the groove of the motor housing. 

 

This will keep your SME problem free. The tables are so well made that my SME30/2A has been running flawlessly for the last 12 years with this simple maintenance.  

Good suggestions Kenneth.  And also remember to change the drive belt once every few years if the led on the motor unit cannot lock-on to the speed after repeated adjustment using the strobo disc. 

[annapurna]

And if you are using SME V arm which comes with the damping trough, do experiment by using the damping fluid.  In my setup, the sound improvement is obvious when I use it.  You can adjust the different levels of damping and even cancelled it if you don't like the sound with the damper.

[annapurna]

After using the SME 20/12 for a number of years, decided to upgrade to 30/12 and placed order with High End Research in early Feb. It took more than a month to arrive from UK. 

 

 

Edited April 5, 2021 by annapurna

[Guest francishuang]

Your Life

My Dream

[blue_starfish]

A big jump in performance over the SME 20. Especially in area of rhythmic drive.  

[macrotrust]

2 hours ago, annapurna1624705732 said:

After using the SME 20/12 for a number of years, decided to upgrade to 30/12 and placed order with High End Research in early Feb. It took more than a month to arrive from UK. 

 

 

 

Nice table and arm- look tempting hehehehe -special promo may consider

[zephyr11]

Woah, i know these are ex, but didn't know so ex..

 

Truly...     

 

20 hours ago, francishuang said:

Your Life

My Dream

 

[annapurna]

2 hours ago, zephyr11 said:

Woah, i know these are ex, but didn't know so ex..

 

Truly...     

 

 

Yes, its alot of money even after dealer discount.  But to me it is money well spent as I have alot of records, old and new and this is the 1st time I am hearing the true potential of analog at its best. I am sure there are even better turntables out there but those will be out of my reach and I am contented for many years to come.

[annapurna]

21 hours ago, blue_starfish said:

A big jump in performance over the SME 20. Especially in area of rhythmic drive.  

Yes, you are absolutely correct.  The improvement over 20/12 is significant.  I was surprised as well and the 30/12 and the new phono cable is not even run in.  Sound is much more composed,.  The images of all instruments and voices is very stable and pinpoint in space.  Everything seems to be more organised. Bass is quite a bit extended.  It is alot quieter also, almost like listening to CD.  

Edited April 6, 2021 by annapurna

[zephyr11]

21 hours ago, annapurna1624705732 said:

Yes, its alot of money even after dealer discount.  But to me it is money well spent as I have alot of records, old and new and this is the 1st time I am hearing the true potential of analog at its best. I am sure there are even better turntables out there but those will be out of my reach and I am contented for many years to come.

 

 

i find it amazing how every time an upgarde is done, it makes you want to relisten all and everything you have. i have this thing too, amazing to see that even from an excellent tt to one that is even better, it is significant in SQ that gets you excited to listen everything again! Congrats again and enjoy!

[annapurna]

After deliberating for sometime on which cartridge to use on my SME 30/12, I decided on the Ortofon Anna Diamond (with diamond cantilever)  replacing the Clearaudio Titanium V2 which I have used for a few years. I have been very happy with the Titanium V2 but as my friend told me, we all need a change of flavour/taste. 

 

Philip from High End Research whom I bought the Anna D came over to install the cartridge last week and so far the Anna D has impressed me with the sound.    It is still less than 10 hrs and the sound so far is very refined, fast and dynamic with very airy mids/highs.

 

 

[Guest francishuang]

1 hour ago, annapurna1624705732 said:

After deliberating for sometime on which cartridge to use on my SME 30/12, I decided on the Ortofon Anna Diamond (with diamond cantilever)  replacing the Clearaudio Titanium V2 which I have used for a few years. I have been very happy with the Titanium V2 but as my friend told me, we all need a change of flavour/taste. 

 

Philip from High End Research whom I bought the Anna D came over to install the cartridge last week and so far the Anna D has impressed me with the sound.    It is still less than 10 hrs and the sound so far is very refined, fast and dynamic with very airy mids/highs.

 

 

Your Life

My Dream

[Guinness1624707004]

7 hours ago, annapurna1624705732 said:

After deliberating for sometime on which cartridge to use on my SME 30/12, I decided on the Ortofon Anna Diamond (with diamond cantilever)  replacing the Clearaudio Titanium V2 which I have used for a few years. I have been very happy with the Titanium V2 but as my friend told me, we all need a change of flavour/taste. 

 

Philip from High End Research whom I bought the Anna D came over to install the cartridge last week and so far the Anna D has impressed me with the sound.    It is still less than 10 hrs and the sound so far is very refined, fast and dynamic with very airy mids/highs.

 

 

I recently had a similar situation, a change of flavour. Tried Ortofon, my first time. Not so high up in the hierarchy like yours but still enjoyable.  Noticed that they needed roughly about 100hrs to run-in.  Otherwise, rather constipated. Enjoy your music...