OSCAR ATTENDS THE SME MODEL 8 AND MODEL 35 TURNTABLES AND SME SERIES VI TONEARM LAUNCH IN LONDON

Held on the 4th of April at the Hyatt Regency hotel in London, SME hosted an event to unveil their brand-new SME Model 8 and SME Model 35 turntables, alongside the new SME Series Vi tonearm.

HiFi PiG’s Oscar was there to check out the new gear for us…

SME MODEL 8 AND MODEL 35 TURNTABLES AND SME SERIES VI TONEARM LAUNCH

For over 77 years, SME have been making turntables and tonearms. The aim of SME is to harm the signal as little as possible, to allow as much of the music through as possible. The demo setup used at this event consisted of the new turntable models, Siltech Symphony speakers, Nagra HD Phono and Siltech C1, V1, P1 electronics.

SME MODEL 35 TURNTABLE

The new SME Model 35 replaces the model 30, it uses a new 3-point column platform with improved suspension that is now enclosed and inverted. The 35 comes fitted with the new Series Vitonearm which is now made from high density polymer, which is machined to shape and is less resonant. There is a hydraulic damping system for the spindle and bearing, reducing movement for more stable rotation. 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 MODEL 8 TURNTABLE

The new Model 8 is a complete redesign of the “entry point” of SME’s range, the model-6, which it replaces. It now features a high-density polymer base, larger, better feet for resonance control, and the platter is thicker and more stable. The Tonearm is a big step up – it’s now using a 309-magnesium tonearm with internal crystal cable and comes with a removable head shell and WBT RCA connectors. There’s an outboard speed control that is more accurate and it now comes in 3 colours (white, black, midnight blue).

SME SERIES Vi TONEARM

Alongside the new turntables, SME has also launched the Series Vi tonearm, which builds on the Series V. The ‘i’ denotes a significant upgrade, with the tonearm now machined from a high-density polymer in a single piece for greater precision and reduced resonance. Its circular cross-section and low-resonance design promise are designed to deliverl tonal clarity and improved mechanical performance across the frequency range.

We than had a listen to both models on the demo system.

The Model 35 was up first, Romeo & Juliet – Dance of the Knights was played from the first pressing of the new SME Music recording; the scale and dynamics of this system were jaw droppingly good. From the smallest details, to the loudest crescendos, everything was delivered with effortless ease and control. The Siltech speakers are full range and really didn’t miss a beat – with the Model 35 extracting effortless detail from this recording.

Now on to the Model 8, playing Stevie Ray Vaughn – Tin Pan Alley, the system once again showing off its impressively bottomless bass extension and snappy transients. Both of these turntables manage to extract a huge amount of detail from the recordings, the Model 8 sounding a bit more rounded in its presentation.

We listened to a few more tracks (Fields of Gold by Eva Cassidy, Angel by Massive Attack and a Prokofiev piece – Lieutenant Kije Op. 60 III), and each showcased how clean and stable the playback was from the new SME turntables. Angel for example really highlighted how a good system can have deep, pulsating bass, clear midrange and crisp treble without congestion – vinyl has the ability to deliver all of this, it just requires the right setup.

SME MUSIC

Also being introduced at this event was SME Music. A new venture for SME, they have done a couple of recordings which are pure analogue, direct recorded onto 2-track ½” tape using Studer 820 and A80 recorders – these were then sent to Berliner studio to be cut to lacquer, no post production or compression. After hearing the test pressings, I can honestly say they really do capture the true scale and natural sound of the orchestra. The conductor of the Philharmonic orchestra did a talk about the recording, and how it was done in one take. It’s about passion, and the way direct recording is extremely accurate and retains the emotion of the piece.

A big thank you to Kat and the wider Candence Distribution and SME team for the invite and the event, it was a pleasure to be among the first people to see and hear these two new turntables and the fantastic SME Recording.

SME MODEL 35 AND SME MODEL 8 PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The SME Model 8, complete with the SME 309 tonearm, is priced at £9,999 (inc VAT). The Model 35, fitted with the Series Vi tonearm, is priced at £35,999 in standard finishes, or £37,999 in special finishes. Both models are available now.

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Oscar Stewart