SME at Walrus

SME

SME Model 10 / 10A

The Model 10 (or 10A, the version which includes the M10 arm) is SME's "entry level" turntable. Those words "entry level" would be enough to put you off with any other brand, but in SME's case read "affordable". The Model 10 is better than most other manufacturer's top end models, so its all relative!

We won't go into technical details here - SME's own page has all the specs you need. As you would expect from SME, the Model 10 is a very neutral platform. It's a turntable which does what it's supposed to and disappears into the background. It lets the pickup arm (usually an M10, Series 4, or Series 5) work to its absolute best and continues to do so for many years. Other turntables may impress with one or other area of their performance, but the SME impresses with its balanced all round performance, a very desirable attribute for long term satisfaction.

The Model 10 is available for demonstration, please contact us.

Although we don't usually carry them on demonstration, we can supply all SME turntables. Here are links to the Model 20/2 and Model 30/2 and their variants for mounting 12" arms, the 20/12 and 30/12.

(Images courtesy of SME)

Series 4 / Series 5

SME's first pickup arm saw the light of day in 1959, and was built because SME's founder, Alastair Robertson-Aikman, required one of higher quality than those available at the time for his own use. Initially 25 units were built per week, and it's at this time the company changed its name from "The Scale Model Equipment Company Limited" to SME Ltd! Today, SME are particularly proud of the fact that every component in their pickup arms is manufactured in-house, and every process, such as plating, is also done by them, so quality is guaranteed. This explains the high cost of purchase, and explains why the arms are so consistent and justify that high cost.

The Series 4 (picture below) and 5 (picture above) are substantially similar products, the main differences being the 5 has calibrated spring applied tracking force adjustment, it has adjustable damping, and it has easier adjustment of VTA. It also has harder ABEC 7 ball races controlling the vertical movement (ABEC 3 on the Series 4). The bearings for horizontal movement are the same.

Full specs can be found here for the Series 4 and here for the Series 5.

As with all SME products, neutrality is the order of the day. The purchase of either arm will be a long term one, and will guarantee the ideal platform for any pickup cartridge you care to fit now and in the future. Just as with the turntables, you may find other arms that will impress more in one area or another, but very few offer the all round balance of qualities that SME does.

Note that there are quite a few options available for both arms, including detachable headshells for the 4 and 5, and several cosmetic options for the 5. Internal and external wiring options also exist. Please enquire for further details.

A recent addition is a 12" version of the Series 5, the 5-12 - details here

SME

SME Model 10 / 10A

Series 4 / Series 5

M2

M2-12R

300 Series