Auditioning SME Model 20/3 Turntable

[Cody @ TARA]

Lately we at TARA Labs have been experimenting with a wide variety of turntables. Most notable of all has been the spectacular Walker Black Diamond Mk.III - however with a price ranging close to six digits, it is probably not for everyone.

Another fantastic turntable has been the SME Model 20/3. While I am reasonably familiar with hearing this particular model, it was the new SME Series V tonearm that really made it come to life. The inner detail and micro-dynamics produced a striking sense of realism and neutrality.

Anyone out there using SME components?

[fjn04]

Thanks for your comments on the SME. I am looking to upgrade my Analog front end, and have not seriously considered the SME. I am looking at Dr Feickert, which start lower in price than the SME 20/3. I have heard the Feickert once , and was very impressed. I plan on giving it another listen soon, as the dealer now has my amps, plus a different arm on the Feickert. I am also planning on listening to the Luxman table. SME tables often come up for sale, but of course they sell better than most. Cheers -Don

[Mikado463]

Cody, Great table (SME), if I weren't completely happy with my VPI Aries III, it or it's 'big brother' (30/2)would be seriously on my radar screen.

A few years back while helping to host the Martin Logan Owners gathering in Lawrence , Ks we took a ride over to visit Chad Kassem @ Acoustic Sounds in Salina. Chad's listening room was adorned with a lot of great gear, the SME being front and center, along with the Avalon Sentinels driven by PASS amplification ………to say the least it was a great afternoon.

I can't imagine you being disappointed with an SME TT

[Puma Cat]

Cody,
SME is one the great engineering houses in audio. They can manufacture products that companies at a level of mechanical engineering specification and quality that many companies couldn't hope to attain.

I have an SME V on my Michell Gyro SE MkII:





You can't go wrong with SME, IMO.

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by fjn04

Thanks for your comments on the SME. I am looking to upgrade my Analog front end, and have not seriously considered the SME. I am looking at Dr Feickert, which start lower in price than the SME 20/3. I have heard the Feickert once , and was very impressed. I plan on giving it another listen soon, as the dealer now has my amps, plus a different arm on the Feickert. I am also planning on listening to the Luxman table. SME tables often come up for sale, but of course they sell better than most. Cheers -Don

Feickert turntables are great. I have 2 arms mounted on the Firebird, the Ortofon 12 inches as well as a Triplanar. As for SME arms, had both the M2-9 on a fully restored Thorens TD160 Super with Origin Live Ultra Motor as well as the M2-12R on another fully restored Thorens TD125 MkII. I just love the vintage Thorens and crazy enough to collect 2.

In short, both Feickert and SME are great stuff.

Cheers

[Cody @ TARA]

Originally Posted by fjn04

Thanks for your comments on the SME. I am looking to upgrade my Analog front end, and have not seriously considered the SME. I am looking at Dr Feickert, which start lower in price than the SME 20/3. I have heard the Feickert once , and was very impressed. I plan on giving it another listen soon, as the dealer now has my amps, plus a different arm on the Feickert. I am also planning on listening to the Luxman table. SME tables often come up for sale, but of course they sell better than most. Cheers -Don

A few years ago I got to audition some Dr. Feickert Woodpecker and Blackbird turntables. From what I remember they both sounded great, but the Blackbird was a noticeable improvement over the former.

[patrick]

I have been running an SME 20/2 with V arm for last few years, after upgrading from a VPI Aries. I find it to be an excellent table and find it really easy to set up for the most part, though like all gear, it has its quirks. SME also a great company to deal with, they tend to treat customers right. Always struck me as curious that with all the forums out there, I never could find an SME owners forum or a place dedicated to examining their products. Maybe we should start one here? I’d be in!

[tom_hankins]

Eight years with the SME V arm, on various tables including Michell Gyro SE, SME 10, and the last few years on an Avid Sequel. To many cartridges to remember and SME worked well with them all. Benz LP-Smr on there now.

[John49]

Have had SME arms from 1973 onwards: 3009 S2 Improved, IV and V. Now defected to Durand and awaiting new armwand. Maybe I make big mistake...

[patrick]

Anyone use the damping trough on their arm? I’ve never tried, wondering if it is worth a go.