2. analog
  3. 181738-1590

Should I buy an SME 30/12A for 15K?

I am a vinyl newbie with maybe 100 LPs (or less) in my collection. I have had a Technics SL1210GAE for past 2 years, I just plugged and played it. It’s good but my digital is almost as good or sometimes better.

I recently heard a SME 30/12A at the dealer’s, and it blew my mind, and my digital was no where close (the dealer had almost the same digital -- mine is Nagra Tube DAC, his was the Nagra HD DAC -- and we did on spot comparison, not an apples to apple of course but still best that we could under the circumstances).

 

Now given my relative inexperience with vinyl (I know next to nothing about setup), should I plunge for this offer which is offered to me at 1/3rd the retail price and probably an endgame TT for me.

 

Thoughts?

Also, is this as great an offer as I think it is, are there better TTs at 15K$ retail price (I cannot/will not buy used) than the SME 30/12A?

essrand

Showing 3 responses by lalitk

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,099 posts
 

If you plan to expand your vinyl collection, then SME 30/12A for 15K is a steal! 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,099 posts
 

@essrand 

I can somewhat relate to your predicament as your audio system is very similar to mine. I ran SME 15-AV, Hana Umami Red Cart, alternating between AD50 and E.A.T. E-GLO phono w/external power supply into Accuphase E-650 / Tannoy Canterbury’s. I loved every minute of my Vinyl playback until I decided to up the ante on my digital playback. Now my digital, mainly streaming has transcended the vinyl playback and account for 95% listening. My point is, if you’re committed in your pursuit, both Vinyl or Digital can be equally satisfying. My ‘Digital’ system is listed here for your reference. 

If your budget allows, dive into SME 30/12A but be prepared to spend another $10-$15K in Cart, phono until you feel, you are there. This is one of those itch that won’t simply go away until you dive deep into analog rabbit hole or you may choose to upgrade digital front end.

What is your digital? Streaming or CD playback?

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,099 posts
 

“upgrade to an Etsuro Gold cart”

@essrand 

My project to further improve the analog is now on hold due to progress made in my digital front end. I am couple of pieces away from what I set out to do since early 2021.

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