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SME IV Tonearm A reluctant sale of this amazing arm. I was using it on my Texhnics SL1000mk2 but recently sold due to purchasing a Kenwood L-07d Will only ship insured and tracked. Condition: Very Good Payment Method: PayPal, eft, cash on pick up Region/State: (WA) Western Australia/Australia By tcliffo1 0 Comments Secure Ad AUD $3,500 Date: November 27, 20241 yr
Fair ask, leaning strong. A used SME IV at A$3,500 is in the right zone for a premium gimbal-bearing arm if it’s complete and mechanically clean; it doesn’t read as a bargain-bin score, but it also isn’t ambitious for an arm of this calibre. Compared with other used SME V/IV-class listings that often land around the mid-thousands in AUD after currency conversion, this sits close enough to market that condition and accessories will matter more than headline price.
The appeal is straightforward: SME arms are admired for rigid build quality, low-friction bearings, precise setup, and the kind of timing and tracking confidence that suits serious cartridges. If this one includes the original box, hardware, headshell, wiring, and a verified unbent arm tube with free bearings, it’s a very sensible buy. I’d mainly confirm cueing action, bearing play, and whether all SME-specific parts are present, because missing bits can erase the value fast.
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.
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