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SME IV Tonearm Amazing Tonearm & rare. SME has since discontinued selling SME IV & V tonearms. Description The SME IV is a cut down version of the legendary series V with copper wiring instead of silver and simplified adjustment mechanisms Specifications Effective length: 233.15mm Mounting distance: 215.35mm Cartridge fixing centres: 12.70mm Offset angle: 23.635mm Linear offset: 93.47mm Overhang: 17.80mm Effective mass: 10/11g Cartridge weight range: 5 to 16g Tracking force: 0 to 3g Weight: 700g Slight mark adjacent mark on arm rest (See Pics) https://www.vinylengine.com/library/sme/series-iv
At A$3,495, this SME IV tonearm is ambitious compared to the obvious alternative: a used SME V, which often lists around A$4,300 (US$2,240 converted), yet the IV itself typically trades far lower. Recent Australian listings show an SME IV in mint condition selling for A$1,800, and international benchmarks place it near A$2,000–A$2,250 (US$1,500), making this asking price roughly double the median used value.
The SME IV remains a respected pivoted 9-inch arm known for smooth tracking and low resonance, often paired with high-end cartridges like the Dynavector or Ortofon. If this listing includes original accessories, a clean bearing, and provenance from an original owner, it could still appeal to a collector, but at nearly A$3,500, it demands mint condition and full documentation to justify the premium over the more common A$1,800–A$2,250 range.
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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