I just gotten SME 15 with the V arm , I love it more than I expected
I owned the Kuzma xl dc with 4 point arm before and I can tell you I love SME :)
Opinion on SME 15
I posted this on another forum, but thought I might have more luck here.
I'm thinking of replacing my VPI TNT with a final turntable to see me into the foreseeable future. The TNT (series 1, bought in 1989, with various upgrades over the years) has a Graham Phantom II with a SME base and my new table would be something to exploit that tonearm.
The stellar build quality and SME longevity have great appeal to me. Price wise I could only stretch to the SME 15. It seems to have the main objective criteria covered: Effective isolation, non-resonant chassis, superbly quiet bearing and excellent speed stability. The reviews I've read indicate excellent sound quality - though they have all reviewed the table in 15A guise, i.e. with the SME 309 arm.
Many SME owners seem to love their tables, but there is a portion of vinyl enthusiasts who describe SME as detached and un-emotional, lacking in PRAT (?). I am seeking a neutral platform to hear what's on my records, not a stylised boutique sound - but of course I want it to be enjoyable.
I was hoping owners of the SME 15 would chip in with their longer term impressions. Still loving it?
Actually any SME impressions would be useful - particularly the Graham/SME combo - or if you switched from SME and why.