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Beautiful example complete with SME Series V (Gold text) Arm
The SME Model 6 has a strong reputation as a refined, compact high-end deck, but GBP 6,500 is an ambitious used price: it sits above the supplied 75th-percentile figure of GBP 6,343 and well above the GBP 5,143 median. Excellent condition helps, though this is not a standout bargain unless the listing includes unusually valuable extras or unusually strong provenance.
It remains a worthwhile buy for its precise speed control, stable presentation, resonance-resistant polymer plinth and excellent M2-9 tonearm. The removable headshell makes cartridge changes straightforward, while the deck is known for composed timing, focused imaging and solid bass rather than showy coloration. At this money, confirm the external speed-control unit, original accessories, packaging and a clean, quiet bearing and motor; otherwise, a negotiation toward the market median would make the proposition considerably stronger.
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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