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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 $3,200 Date: October 21, 20241 yr
At A$3,200, this SME IV listing is ambitious, sitting well above the typical used market where mint examples in Australia recently sold for A$1,800 and standard international listings hover around A$2,250 (approx. £1,000 or $1,500 USD). Even considering the original 1993 retail price of roughly A$4,400, the current asking price exceeds the 75th percentile for used units, making it a tough sell unless the seller includes rare accessories or proves pristine, original-owner condition.
The SME IV remains a highly respected 9-inch pivoted arm known for its rigid bearing, low resonance, and excellent tracking that pairs beautifully with vintage and modern moving-coil cartridges. Its simple, effective design offers a clear, dynamic sound that enthusiasts still chase today. However, at this price point, buyers should verify the bearing’s smoothness, confirm the presence of the original headshell and counterweight, and ensure no prior damage, as a fair buy usually lands closer to A$1,800–A$2,200.
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.
