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SME 3012 MKII Tonearm Excellent condition 12" SME 3012 Series II tonearm. Includes all parts, original packaging and paperwork including instructions, mounting template, and alignment protractor. I bought this for a project that is no longer taking place and believe the arm has been in storage for some time and I'd class it as new condtion. The bearings feel smooth and the arm lift works as it should. Free standard shipping at my asking price and will be doubled boxed. Condition: Excellent Payment Method: PAYPAL OR EFT Region/State: (NI) North Island/New Zealand By Abarth 0 Comments AUD
This A$1,700 asking price for the SME 3012 MKII in like-new condition is a fair deal in the current Australian market, sitting just below a recent Adelaide listing of A$1,750 for an excellent-condition boxed unit with extras. While the 3012 originally retailed for only $130 decades ago, vintage SME arms now command serious sums due to their enduring performance, and this price aligns with the typical upper-mid range for pristine examples in AUD.
The 3012 MKII remains a legendary tonearm for its rigid 12-inch magnesium construction, low mass, and exceptional tracking ability, making it a top choice for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking transparency and dynamic range. Its like-new condition and inclusion of original packaging (implied by the comparable listing’s “boxed” status) add meaningful upside, as these arms are rare to find this clean after half a century. At A$1,700, this is a solid buying opportunity for anyone upgrading from budget arms or refining a high-end system.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Founded in 1946 by Alastair Robertson-Aikman as The Scale Model Equipment Company Limited in England, SME initially produced scale models and precision parts for engineering trades before pivoting in the 1950s to high-precision components for aircraft instruments and business machines. By 1961, it had relocated to a dedicated factory in Steyning, Sussex, and fully embraced audio engineering, developing its first tonearm for personal use. Now marking over 70 years of excellence, SME was acquired in 2016 by industrialist Ajay Shirke's Cadence Group, ensuring continued innovation while honoring its heritage, including recent moves like reviving the Garrard turntable brand.
SME specializes exclusively in precision turntables and tonearms, offering models like the acclaimed Model 30 series alongside a range of twelve standard arms and custom variants. With over one million tonearms sold worldwide, the company avoids diversification into amplifiers, speakers, DACs, headphones, or cables, focusing instead on unmatched engineering for vinyl playback.
Regarded as the gold standard in high-end analog audio, SME commands a niche position among discerning audiophiles for its Steyning facility—the world's largest and best-equipped for precision pick-up arms and turntables. Synonymous with industry-leading build quality and sonic refinement, it appeals to serious collectors and professionals who prioritize mechanical perfection over mass-market compromises.
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