S.M.E. Series 5 (GBP 2183.00)

S.M.E. has to be one of the best known, and longest standing manufacturers of pickup arms. They were waving the flag for Britain back in the 50's and 60's with their superbly made arms, and they still are in the New Millenium (agggh - I've used the M word again).

Fit and finish of the Series V are exemplary; you'd not expect less from S.M.E. This is one British product which is made to the same camera-finish standard as those from the Far East (or at least, how cameras used to be finished!). The armtube is made from die-cast Magnesium alloy, carefully tapered, and of varying thickness, and finally internally damped, to maximise rigidity and minimise resonances. Siver litz wiring is used internally.

How does it sound? Very little, is the answer. There is a great neutrality, without particular emphasis anywhere in the spectrum. The sound is very confident; you get the overriding impression the arm is always in control, with never a wayward moment. Bass is deep, and the frequency range generally wide and even. Being brutally honest (as always at Walrus), some criticise the arm for lacking get-up-and-go on occasions, if you know what I mean. A sort of feeling that the arm is too much in control. A very British characteristic, maybe, unwilling to show too much emotion! Others say that this stems from lack of colouration. Well, good products usually evoke controversy - it's quite a healthy sign.

Also available, SME Series 4: GBP 1496.00
SME 309: GBP 1090.00
SME M2-9: GBP 732.00