Turntable Reviews

SME 60 record player Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Suspended, mass-loaded, belt-driven turntable with two-phase AC synchronous motor. Speeds: 33 1/3, 45rpm. Platter: 13" (330mm) diameter, 16.6lb (7.5kg). Wow & flutter: not specified. Tonearm: Series VA, gimbal-bearing polymer resin. Effective length: 233.15mm; pivot-to-spindle distance: 215.35mm; overhang: 17.8mm; offset angle: 23.635°; effective mass: 10–11gm. Signal output: chassis-mounted RCA sockets; balanced XLR outputs optional.
Dimensions: 21.93" (557mm) × 16.42" (417mm) × 8.35" (212mm). Weight: Turntable 105.8lb (48kg); speed control unit 4.4lb (2kg); power supply 9.2lb (4.3kg).
Finish: Brushed black anodized (standard); brushed silver anodized, honeycomb-machined in anodized black, silver, or blue, diamond-machined in anodized polished aluminum available.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 013. Manufactured in the United Kingdom.
Price: $71,900. With honeycomb finish: $78,900. With diamond-polished finish: $85,900. Approximate number of US dealers: 25. Warranty: 2 years.
Manufacturer: SME Limited, Mill Rd., Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3GY, England. Web: sme.co.uk. US distributor: Bluebird Music Ltd., 1100 Military Rd., Kenmore, NY 14217. Tel: (416) 638-8207. Web: bluebirdmusic.com.:

COMPANY INFO
SME Limited
Mill Rd., Steyning
West Sussex BN44 3GY
England
(416) 638-8207
sme.co.uk
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
AnalogueFan's picture
Submitted by AnalogueFan on July 20, 2023 - 11:33am

The one reviewed on analogplanet.com yesterday is much more innovative.

https://www.analogplanet.com/content/origin-live-sovereign-s-mkv-turntable-enterprise-mkiv-tonearm

Anton's picture
Submitted by Anton on July 20, 2023 - 12:13pm

Well, that's a relief. Those people with more money than brains who spring for 80,000 dollar + turntables really can't be bothered with that tweaky audiophile stuff.

If only SME could make a fully auto table! Or, make a changer!

jimtavegia's picture
Submitted by jimtavegia on July 20, 2023 - 1:18pm

I still think that beyond the Model 6 is serious diminishing returns, but YMMV. Then you have to buy a cartridge worthy and then a phono stage, then the rest of your system might need an upgrade. Moves and counter-moves will be in order.

And then there is only a 2-year warranty. A repair on that would not be cheap.

Glotz's picture
Submitted by Glotz on July 20, 2023 - 1:24pm

Get on your knees and HAIL the greatness of SME!

If it had laser beams, I would only wish it would zap the naysayers.

Ortofan's picture
Submitted by Ortofan on July 20, 2023 - 7:40pm

... "Best Pick-Up Arm in the World" retailed for about $150.
Mount it on a Thorens TD125, a Linn LP12, a Technics SP10 or a Sony PS2251 - none of which cost more than $400 - and that was the state-of-the-art record player of the day. $550 all in, equivalent to $3500 now. They were great performers back then and are still great today.

MhtLion's picture
Submitted by MhtLion on July 21, 2023 - 7:11am

Great review! I like it. Wish I can afford it.

volvic's picture
Submitted by volvic on July 24, 2023 - 3:13pm

Then again, I don’t as an owner of the 10, which I already think is a great table. I’ve heard the 12, and the 20, and each one offers more. I can only imagine how great the 60 is. I want one, but then again I can’t afford one.

X