Series V

The ubiquitous SME tonearm has been right at the top of the audiophile`s must have product list since 1986 when it became the first pick-up arm to use a pressure die cast magnesium tube.

SME are still the only manufacturer to use magnesium, which is suprising when you realize how light and rigid it is, whilst also exhibiting excellent damping properties. With the Series V this is augmented with an internal constrained layer to cut all unwantedvibrations. But magnesium is not an easy material to work with and the many stages of preparation have to be extremely precise to produce the desired finish, this no doupt is the reason only SME use it.

The Series V has seen many subtle changes over the past 24 years which has seen it evolve into probably the most natural and un-coloured sounding tonearm available.

A 24 carat Gold version is also available, this comes with the top of the range MCS150 pure silver litz internal wiring at no extra cost.

It is as popular now as it was when it was first introduced when it immediately took the analogue world by storm. Customers not only admired the neutral and highly detailed sound but greatly appreciated the superb precision engineering for which SME have rightly become famous for.

The rest of the tonearm follows the theme of rigidity and strength with the use of precision fit ultra high quality roller bearings in the vertical and lateral plane with microscopic adjustment to give the required free movement but without introducing unwanted vibrations and resonances.

The Series V uses a good quality Silver internal wiring with the option of the top of the range Silver wiring of the Series V-12 available at extra cost.

I had the privilege of being in charge of the Assembly and Service depatments of SME right from when the Series V was first conceived, through to all of its production until I left the company to form South West Analogue in late 1997. Which gives me a unique insight into the Series V and all of the other products of this era. I am still in close contact with the factory and keep up to date with all of the new developments.

The main criticism levelled at all SME tonearms is the sonic properties of their range of audio leads. We regard them as ideal "starter" leads and an easy upgrade is therefore possible as replacement audio leads are available from the cheap to the extortionate.

We have our own range of Silver Litz audio leads which are proving very popular as they compliment the tonearm rather than subtract or colour the sound. More details can be found on our Tonearm Cables page.

All new SME tonearms are available with our Silver Litz audio leads at no extra cost and the "top of the range" pure Silver internal wiring as an extra cost option.

For Hi-Fi that brings you closer to the original sound