MONARCH SYSTEMS NAMED THE OFFICIAL NORTH AMERICAN IMPORTER FOR SME

SME turntables and tonearms will now be distributed throughout North America by Monarch Systems Ltd.

Effective immediately, Monarch Systems Ltd. will assume the importation of SME turntables and tonearms, management and creation of retail sales networks (distribution) in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the establishment of marketing channels, and the development of renewed media and review relations.

“SME is one of the few blue-chip luxury audio brands which has been innovating and developing analog products for more than 75 years. State-of-the-art concepts have been thoroughly incubated ‘in-house’ with a combination of cutting edge techniques and hands-on craftsmanship”.

Jon Baker of Monarch Systems Ltd

SME

SME was formed in 1946 under the name “The Scale Model Equipment Company” to manufacture scale models and parts for the model engineering trade. During the 1950s SME moved away from model making to precision engineering, principally parts for aircraft instruments and business machines. In 1959 Alastair Robertson-Aikman, the Company’s founder, required a pick-up arm for his own use and an experimental model was built. It received such an enthusiastic reception from friends in the sound industry that it was decided to produce it commercially and the first SME precision pick-up arm appeared in September 1959. At this time the company’s name was changed to SME Limited, a less committal title to suit its new activities. Today SME is a company based in Steyning, Sussex, England that manufactures high-end, audio equipment and precision-made components for the aerospace, Formula 1, and medical equipment companies.

MONARCH SYSTEMS LTD

Monarch Systems Ltd. was founded by two long-time high-performance audio industry veterans, Jon Baker and Rich Maez, and is an importer of high end audio brands including Siltech, B.audio, Chario, Alluxity, Audio Physic and more, plus they are a retail environment consultation firm. Monarch’s core operating principles are that a high-performance audio distributor should provide exceptional customer service, proper stocking and availability of products, superior product knowledge, be a proactive and trustworthy business partner, and, above all, be fun to work with.

“Not only is SME a historic brand, but their mechanical engineering abilities are matched by very few. They’re not a company to simply rest on their laurels and have continued to innovate over the years, so I think we’ll see great things for years to come.”

Rich Maez of Monarch Systems Ltd

HiFi PiG Says: Great news for fans of the British HiFi brand SME in North America.