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I’ve had this in my turntable accessory stash for a while. It’s a wonderful lightweight (about 9g) generic 1/2” aluminium headshell for SME-style collar-lock tonearms. Includes 4 quality colour coded copper lead wires with gold plated connectors, as pictured.I’ve tested it...
This is a bargain ask. At A$6, it’s way below the A$163 25th percentile and miles under the A$1,766 median for recent AUD comps, so even allowing for the generic title, the price is tiny relative to the market.
What makes it worthwhile is simple: a lightweight SME-style 1/2-inch mount headshell is a useful spare or swap piece, and these can be handy for cartridge matching, quick changes, or keeping a second setup ready to go. For a clean, complete example at this price, the main question is just basic fit and condition—straight pins, secure bayonet lock, and no warped fingerlift or cracked shell.
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.
