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Offered is „SA-1.2 9 Zoll Tonarm mit zusätzlicher SME Basis“ by Sorane as new device from the category „Tone Arm“ on audio-markt.de - the online market place for high-end. The advert with the number 8393663002 ends on 22.12.2026 at 18:27 o'clock.
Condition is listed as new, and at €1,549 that makes this a fair-to-good buy rather than an obvious bargain. It sits above the €1,397 median of 29 comparable asking prices but below the €1,573 75th percentile, so the price is defensible—especially with the additional SME basis included—though not low enough to call exceptional.
The SA-1.2 is a genuinely capable, high-mass Japanese arm: its rigid machined arm-wand, stable gimbal bearings, adjustable effective mass, and removable headshell make it particularly attractive with low-compliance cartridges. It is known for strong, tight bass, excellent tracking, and unusually easy cartridge changes. Confirm that the supplied basis is the correct fit for your turntable and that the headshell, cable, counterweight extensions, and mounting hardware are all present; otherwise, this looks like a sound new-condition purchase at a sensible price.
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.
