RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
SME V Tonearm Hi Everyone, I'm in the process of assisting a close friend liquidate a vast majority of his Hi Fi equipment as he recently transitioned into Aged Care Centre and unfortunately cannot take the majority of his equipment with him to the centre. We are in the process of cleaning out his apartment and have not come across any paperwork for the purchase of this item, but if we find such paper work after this advert is posted, it will be included. My friend tells me he recalls purchasing this SME V Tonearm new ( it was the last one in the country as this was about 6 months after
This A$8,229 asking price for the SME V tonearm is clearly ambitious, sitting well above the 75th percentile of A$7,333 from our 14 recent AUD comparables and far exceeding the median of A$2,770. While the Series V remains a legendary, high-mass tonearm renowned for its rigid armtube, exceptional tracking, and timeless sonic character that still competes with modern designs, this listing is priced at nearly triple the market median. Unless this is a pristine, original-owner unit with a rare cartridge or full documentation, the price feels detached from typical used values, making it a tough buy compared to fairer deals in the A$2,000–A$3,500 range.
The timing matters less than the price gap here; the Series V has no true replacement that eclipses its core strengths, so ownership appeal is high, but only at a fair value. For this to be a worthwhile buy, the condition must be flawless, with no cueing issues, worn bearings, or missing mounting hardware, and ideally include a premium cartridge like a Shelter or Dynavector. Without those extras or proof of exceptional upkeep, the A$8k+ tag is a warning rather than an opportunity—wait for a listing near the median where the V’s legendary performance becomes an undeniable value.
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.
