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J A Michelle ENG PTY Transcriptors hydraulic reference turntable Turntable Extremely rare 1964 Transcriptors hydraulic reference turntable manufacturer by J.A Michell in London England it has the original upgraded SME 3009 improved mark 2 tonearm, NOS Audiotecna TK7E cartridge, original transistor scale, NOS in original sweep arm in original packaging that I have never seen another and original cover. "Hydraulic" references to the silicon filled bath under the platter used to control the turntable speed. This turntable became extremely desirable from appearing in movies the likes of A Clockwor
Compared with the obvious alternative at this price point, this sits above the A$2,954 median but well inside the middle of the market, and clearly below the A$8,163 75th percentile, so A$5,500 reads as ambitious but not out of line rather than a bargain. It is not a sharp buy on price alone, but it is still plausible for a desirable, collectible deck if the presentation and provenance are strong.
That’s because these tables are prized for their engineering, speed stability, and serious vintage cachet; they appeal to buyers who want a statement piece that can also be a genuinely capable platform. The real upside is rarity and the chance to secure a clean, complete example before the best ones drift higher, so I’d focus on bearing condition, hydraulic operation, platter/arm completeness, and whether any specialist service history is documented.
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.
audio-markt.de
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StereoNET
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