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SME Mk111 Tonearm You are looking at a very nice example of the mk111 sme tonearm comes in very good condition with original sme tail lead this when set up correctly wil deliver outstanding performance with a range of cartridges, mm and mc, it came with a signet mc cartridge attached which is for sale in my other ads Condition: Very Good Payment Method: Eft Region/State: (NSW) New South Wales/Australia By missmurphy 0 Comments AUD $600 Date: April 19, 20251 yr
This listing is hard to benchmark because “SME Mk111 (Cartridge)” almost certainly misidentifies the product: SME is a legendary British tonearm manufacturer, not a cartridge maker, and there is no known SME Mk111 cartridge in the archival or current catalog. Without a confirmed model (e.g., an SME tonearm like the Mk II or Model 309, or a specific cartridge brand like Super Microsoft, Sumiko, or a misread SME-affiliated headshell), the A$600 asking price can’t be judged against typical used market data in AUD.
If the seller actually means an SME Mk II tonearm in very good condition, A$600 would be a strong bargain, as used Mk II arms typically trade between A$900–A$1,400 depending on accessories and condition. But if it’s a different cartridge mislabeled as “SME Mk111,” the value could be negligible. Before buying, verify the exact item with photos of the label, serial number, and any included headshell or mounting hardware; ask whether it’s a tonearm, a cartridge, or a headshell, and confirm what’s included to avoid paying A$600 for a misidentified or non-existent product.
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.
