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For sale is a highly specified 2012 SME Series IV precision tonearm, complete with its original factory packaging, setup tools, and paperwork. This arm has been professionally upgraded by Audio Origami with an Ikeda Silver internal rewire, dramatically lowering the noise floor and improving high-frequency detail compared to the standard factory loom. Original receipt for upgrade included. Included in the sale: SME Series IV Tonearm (2012) Audio Origami Ikeda Silver Internal Rewire Furutech AG-12 DIN-to-RCA Phono Cable Original SME f... read more
Priced at £2,225, this SME Type IV tonearm sits just £9 above the median of £2,216 from 31 recent GBP listings, making it a fair market deal rather than a bargain or an ambitious ask. While new SME arms now cost significantly higher—often exceeding £14,000 for complete systems like the Synergy—the Type IV remains a classic high-end arm that once retailled around £1,000, so finding one in good condition near the current median is a solid opportunity for enthusiasts seeking vintage performance without modern markup.
The Type IV is well-regarded for its robust magnesium alloy arm tube, low resonance, and precise tracking, delivering the clean, detailed sound SME is famous for. At this fair price, the listing’s “good” condition suggests it’s a worthwhile buy for those who value original-owner integrity and classic hi-fi engineering, with no immediate caveats needed unless accessories or wiring are missing, which isn’t indicated here. This is a buy-the-right-one moment for a serious analog collector.
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.
See all SME listings on RADAR.
