Turntables, Arms & Cartridges

Despite the raft of new models from SME, all with new AC speed controllers [Model 8, pictured below], vinyl fans might be surprised to discover that most of the brand’s ‘classic’ turntable designs are still available. Only the original Model 6 and Model 10 have been fully laid to rest. On the ‘Legacy’ side, one can still purchase the Model 15 [HFN Jul ’24], 20 and 30 decks – albeit in MK2 guises with the new AC motor set-up derived from the Model 60.

As standard, these turntables come with the Series Vi tonearm, or with the original Series V if preferred. The Model 12 MK2 [HFN Jan ’23], also with updated AC motor and Vi tonearm, is retained in the main catalogue while a two-arm variant (the Model 12 MK2 Twin) is offered for those audiophiles who run a pair of cartridges...

The Model 20/12 MK2 and 30/12 MK2 decks have the 12in Series V-12 arm, as the Series VA-12 is currently reserved for the Garrard 301 Advanced [HFN Aug ’24]. Meanwhile, the only tonearms currently for sale on their own are the M2 and M2-R models, both offered in 9 and 12in effective lengths.