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SME V Tonearm Hi Everyone, I'm still in the process of assisting my close friend liquidate the last remaining pieces of his Hi Fi equipment as he transitioned into an Aged Care Centre in late 2024 and unfortunately couldn't take the majority of his equipment with him to the centre. After cleaning out his apartment, we have not been able to find any paperwork for the purchase of this item. My friend tells me he recalls purchasing this SME V Tonearm new ( it was the last one in the country as this was about 6 months after SME Ltd UK announced they will stop selling their tonearms as separa
This A$8,189 asking price for the SME V Tonearm is ambitious, sitting well above the 75th percentile of A$7,370 from 14 recent AUD comparable listings and far exceeding the median of A$2,771. While a used Series V listed at US$2,240 (roughly A$3,500) suggests a typical market range, this specific listing is priced at the extreme high end, demanding a clear justification in condition or accessories to feel fair.
The SME Series V remains a legendary rigid-pivoted tonearm revered for its exceptional tracking, low resonance, and precise 233.15mm geometry, making it a top-tier choice for serious analog enthusiasts. To justify this premium, the listing must feature original-owner condition, intact calibration, and likely include a high-end cartridge; if it’s a clean, fully serviced unit with provenance, it’s still a rare opportunity to acquire a benchmark arm, but buyers should verify the condition thoroughly given the price gap.
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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