SME turntables and tonearms have been popular worldwide for over 75 years due to the British company's continuing quest to retain as much of the delicate signals generated by a needle in a groove as possible while mitigating unwanted resonance.

During an exclusive gathering in London's Marylebone, SME drew back the union flag to reveal two new turntables: the SME Model 8, the firm's new gateway to its high-end vinyl players, and the Model 35, which replaces the Model 30.

Hosted in the Library room of the Hyatt Regency London—The Churchill, SME's new turntables were joined by a Nagra HD Phono stage, which went into Siltech's Saga system, comprising a C1 tube pre-amp, P1 power amplifier, and a partnering V1 voltage stage. This formidable collection of electronics sat upon Quadraspire racks and went out to a pair of imposing Siltech Symphony loudspeakers.

SME MODEL 8 TURNTABLE

The Model 8 sees a complete redesign of SME's "entry point" record player and is the successor of the Model 6.

SME's Model 8 features a high-density polymer base (available in a choice of white, black, and midnight blue) and a thicker platter that goes towards the manufacturer's claim of a 40% increase in mass over the outgoing model. SME states that Model 8 "offers extreme stability and resonance control." This is aided by larger, better adjustable feet for isolation alongside refined mounting boards to minimise unwanted vibrations between the tonearm and plinth.

In addition to the improved stability and resonance control resulting in increased tracking accuracy, speed precision and consistency also get a boost thanks to trickle-down tech from the Model 60's speed control unit.

The Model 8 also benefits from swapping out the old M2-9 of the Model 6 in favour of an SME 309 magnesium tonearm loaded with Crystal Cable wire. The 309 tonearm features a removable headshell, which will be a surefire bonus for those who like to swap out cartridges, perhaps between MM and MC, or have dedicated cartridges to play mono records, for instance.

Rounding out the Model 8 are redesigned phono and low-voltage input sockets for enhanced durability and connectivity and gold-plated WBT RCA sockets for improved signal conductivity.

SME MODEL 35 TURNTABLE

The SME Model 35 replaces the Model 30; the instantly recognisable update is to the columns. Gone are the sixty visible suspension rings shared across the four corners of the sub-chassis. Instead, the new Model 35 sports a sleeker tri-column affair and stands on improved decoupled feet. 

These columns, we're told, house an inverted version of SME's suspension design, which is said to offer better performance across both vertical and horizontal planes. It also should make dusting less of a faff. 

The new sub-chassis and platter are also "acoustically enhanced", according to SME. Additionally, the 35 gets a hydraulic dampening system that surrounds the spindle and bearing in the centre of the turntable which is said to dramatically improve rotational stability.

Finally, a new state-of-the-art electronic speed control powered by an AC motor with a separate transformer derived from the Model 60.

SME SERIES Vi TONEARM

Like the Model 8, the Model 35 is blessed with a new tonearm; in this case, the Series Vi—the 'i' is for improvement, apparently. The new arm is CNC machined from a high-density non-metallic polymer chosen for its acoustical inertness. 

This single-cut design is crafted with tight tolerances and adheres to rigorous quality control standards. Interestingly, SME believes additive manufacturing, i.e. 3D printing, is not yet precise enough, which is why subtractive processes are used for this and the Model 60's VA arm. The Vi tube features a circular cross-sectional shape. The manufacturer states that this design results in a "very low resonance signature with far better-measured tonearm and pillar resonances", which should promise improved tonal fidelity.

It uses new decoupled isolating feet and comes in a few different colours (black and brushed silver as standard, gunmetal and midnight blue as optional at an additional cost). A standout feature of the Model 35 is its advanced electronic speed control, derived from the Model 60, which works in tandem with a separate transformer and AC motor.

SME MUSIC

The final introduction of the evening was SME Music. A new venture for the storied company, which so far appears to be two recordings by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Keeping with the SME's values, these are pure analogue, single-takes recorded onto 2-track ½-inch tape using Studer 820 and A80 recorders. This is then cut to lacquer at Berliner studio with no post-production or compression. Conductor Pete Harrison explained that the process was not aiming to capture the best-ever recording of the Prokofiev pieces but, instead, to record the passion, dynamics and soul of the music. This sounds like an impressive task to record, not least because they had 78 musicians playing who all had to be at the top of their game. That said, we were told one run-through had to be binned as right at the "golden moment of silence", someone's stomach rumbled. From what I heard at the demonstration, these records will be well worth seeking out once released.

Both new SME turntable models are available now. The SME Model 8, complete with the SME Series 309 tonearm, is priced at £9,999 in White, Midnight Blue, or SME Black. The SME Model 35, fitted with the Series Vi tonearm, is priced at £35,999 in Black or Silver anodised finishes, while Midnight and Gunmetal anodised versions will sell for £37,999. We are awaiting confirmed pricing for other regions.

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