Attention all audiophiles!
If you’re a fan of high-end audio equipment, you may have heard the news that SME, the renowned British manufacturer of precision-made audio gear, has stopped selling tonearms and exited the OEM business.
But fear not, as we have some exciting news for you.
SME has recently announced the release of their Classic Series M2 range of tonearms, which are now available for individual retail sales.
In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this new release and answer the question on everyone’s mind: Are SME tonearms still being made?
So sit back, relax, and let’s explore the world of SME tonearms together.
Are SME Tonearms Still Being Made
The short answer is yes, SME tonearms are still being made. However, there has been a shift in the company’s focus, and they will no longer be selling tonearms for individual retail sale or OEM distribution.
This decision was not taken lightly, as SME has been a key player in the design and development of some of the world’s best tonearms since 1959. However, the growth of their turntable business and commitment to higher production levels means that they cannot continue both streams.
But don’t worry, if you’re in the market for an SME tonearm, you can still get your hands on one. The Classic Series M2 range is now available for individual retail sales. These tonearms are famous for their precision instrument quality and ultimate sonic performance, and are available in 9-inch and 12-inch versions in straight and J-shaped tubes.
The M2-9 is the standard arm with a pivot-stylus dimension of 233.2 mm (9.18-inches), while the M2-12 has a pivot-stylus dimension of 308.8 mm (12.16-inches). The Classic Series M2 range is made to order and starts at an RRP of £2,380 for the M2-9, with the M2-12 costing £2,628.00.
It’s important to note that SME will no longer accept new orders for individual tonearms from today. However, all obligations of the warranty will be honoured, and factory service and spare parts support for tonearm owners will continue.
The History Of SME Tonearms
SME Limited, a precision-engineering company based in Steyning, Sussex, England, was originally formed in 1946 under the name “The Scale Model Equipment Company.” Their initial focus was on manufacturing scale models and parts for the model engineering trade. However, during the 1950s, SME shifted their focus to precision engineering, specifically parts for aircraft instruments and business machines.
In 1959, Alastair Robertson-Aikman, the company’s founder, required a pick-up arm for his own use. An experimental model was built, and it received such an enthusiastic reception from friends in the sound industry that it was decided to produce it commercially. This marked the beginning of SME’s journey into the world of high-end audio equipment.
The first SME precision pick-up arm was released in September 1959. At this time, the company’s name was changed to SME Limited. The pick-up arm was an instant success and received international recognition as one of the best pick-up arms in the world.
SME’s manufacturing program consists of three precision turntables and twelve standard pick-up arms which together with special models offer a very wide range of application. SME precision pick-up arms are exported to almost every country in the world.
In December 2016, SME was purchased by Cadence Audio LLP, an Indian-based company of approximately nineteen staff that now owns SME. While SME hasn’t provided tremendous tonearm innovation in recent years, their arms are still world-class and many will sadly miss their presence in the market. They will continue to manufacture and design tonearms and supply them with the purchase of one of their turntables.
The Decision To Stop Selling Tonearms
SME’s decision to stop selling tonearms for individual retail sale or OEM distribution was based on the growth of their turntable business and commitment to higher production levels. Stuart McNeilis, CEO of SME Limited, stated that the decision was not taken lightly, especially as they have played a key role in the design and development of some of the world’s best tonearms since 1959.
SME has designed, engineered, and manufactured tonearms for retail and OEM sales for over 60 years, achieving international recognition as makers of the best pick-up arms in the world. However, their focus has shifted towards their turntable business, which has seen significant growth.
The company will continue manufacturing highly accredited tonearms, but they will only be sold with their comprehensive range of high-end turntables, which they plan to expand in 2020. The Classic Series M2 range is now available for individual retail sales, but SME will no longer accept new orders for individual tonearms.
Despite this shift in focus, SME will continue to honour all obligations of the warranty and provide factory service and spare parts support for tonearm owners. While this decision may come as a surprise to audio fans across the world, SME remains committed to delivering high-quality precision-made audio equipment and components for various industries.
The Classic Series M2 Range
The Classic Series M2 range is a class-leading tonearm that has been beloved by audiophiles for years. SME has recently announced that this range will now be available for individual retail sales. These tonearms are designed to compliment the magnesium range of tonearms fitted to SME turntables, and are available in both straight and J-shaped tubes in either 9-inch or 12-inch lengths.
The M2-9 is the standard arm, with a pivot-stylus dimension of 233.2 mm (9.18-inches), while the M2-12 has a pivot-stylus dimension of 308.8 mm (12.16-inches). Both versions are made to order and start at an RRP of £2,380 for the M2-9, with the M2-12 costing £2,628.00.
These precision pick-up arms embody well-tried SME principles and are suited to a broad range of cartridges, including those of medium and low compliance. They offer meticulous build quality with all the most important features, including a lightweight stainless steel tonearm, detachable magnesium headshell with azimuth adjustment, tungsten balance weight, superb quality ball race bearings, and a level of stiffness and rigidity to suit all types of cartridge.
It’s important to note that SME will no longer accept new orders for individual tonearms from today. However, all obligations of the warranty will be honoured, and factory service and spare parts support for tonearm owners will continue. If you’re in the market for an SME tonearm, the Classic Series M2 range is an excellent choice that offers precision instrument quality and ultimate sonic performance.
Features Of The Classic Series M2 Tonearms
The Classic Series M2 tonearms from SME are designed to provide the ultimate sonic performance and precision instrument quality. They are available in both 9-inch and 12-inch versions, with straight or J-shaped tubes. The M2-9 is the standard arm, while the M2-12 is a longer version.
These tonearms are made to order and feature meticulous build quality with all the most important features, including a lightweight stainless steel tonearm, detachable magnesium headshell with azimuth adjustment, tungsten balance weight, and superb quality ball race bearings. They also offer a level of stiffness and rigidity to suit all types of cartridges.
The Classic Series M2 tonearms are suited to a broad range of cartridges, including those of medium and low compliance. They embrace three models: the M2-9, M2-10, and M2-12, offering pivot-stylus dimensions covering virtually all turntable requirements.
Additionally, the Classic Series M2 tonearms come with several specifications, such as distance from pivot to stylus, distance from pivot to turntable center, cartridge fixing centers, height above mounting surface, height of record surface above mounting surface, depth below mounting surface, radial clearance for balance weight, and tracking adjustment.
Retail Availability And Pricing
For those interested in purchasing an SME tonearm, the Classic Series M2 range is currently available for individual retail sales. These tonearms are made to order and are available in 9-inch and 12-inch versions in straight and J-shaped tubes.
The M2-9, which is the standard arm, starts at an RRP of £2,380, while the M2-12 costs £2,628.00. The M2-9R, which is the J-shaped version of the 9-inch arm, is priced at £3,108.00, and the 12-inch version costs £3,348.00. All prices include VAT.
It’s worth noting that SME will no longer be accepting new orders for individual tonearms from the date of their product announcement in December 2019. However, if you already own an SME tonearm, their factory service and spare parts support will continue to be available to you.
Reviews And Feedback From Audiophiles
Audiophiles have long praised SME tonearms for their precision and exceptional sonic performance. While some may be disappointed by the news that SME will no longer sell tonearms for individual retail sale or OEM distribution, those who have had the opportunity to use an SME tonearm have nothing but positive things to say.
One audiophile on a popular audio forum shared their experience with the SME Series V tonearm, saying “I’ve been using the SME Series V for a few years now and it’s simply amazing. The precision and detail it brings out in my records is unmatched by any other tonearm I’ve used.”
Another reviewer on a hi-fi equipment review site gave the SME Series V a perfect score, stating “The SME Series V is without a doubt the best tonearm I have ever used. The build quality is superb and the sonic performance is simply outstanding. If you’re looking for the ultimate in vinyl playback, this is the tonearm to get.”
Even with the shift in focus towards turntable production, it’s clear that SME tonearms will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of audiophiles around the world.
