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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. Flat rate of $50 shipping and will be doubled boxed. Condition: Excellent Payment Method: PAYPAL OR EFT Region/State: (NI) North Island/New Zealand By Abarth 0 Comments AUD $1,900 Date: Ap
At A$1,900, this like-new SME 3012 MKII is priced ambitiously compared to the typical used market in AUD, where excellent examples with extras recently sold for around A$1,750 locally. While the Audiogon bluebook lists a distant retail reference of roughly A$200, that figure is outdated and irrelevant for this vintage arm; the real benchmark is the active secondary market, where A$1,750 represents a strong recent transaction for a comparable unit, making this A$150-over-market ask a stretch for a fair deal.
The SME 3012 Series II remains a gold standard for 12-inch arms, offering exceptional rigidity, low bearing friction, and precise tracking that pairs beautifully with vintage and modern large-format turntables. Its reputation for neutrality and musicality makes it a worthwhile buy if the condition is truly pristine and includes the original mounting hardware and counterweight, but at this price, the listing demands confirmation of original accessories and flawless bearing play to justify the premium over the A$1,750 benchmark.
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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