To SME or not to SME?

There is no import duty into the USA from UK for personal items like a tt I believe
SW Analogue is totally the way to go. They are super nice and very SME knowledgeable too!

Sksos1 You still don't say what else was in the front end system.
I'm also guessing that as the 20/3 is brand new you didn't use it for long.
So what do you mean by dead? Is that a lack of coloration? Of warmth? Dead how?
Dead or lifeless seem to be the buzz words used by SME bashers....not saying that it's not deserved...but it's funny how polarizing this brand is.
I am seriously considering a 20/12 and am intrigued by your very negative comments.

Sksos1...thanks for the info.
I was just interested in the cartridge more than anything.
Can I ask what front end you do use and what have you heard that floats your boat.
Dover...I'm "fluffing around" because spending close to 20k on a front end is not something I do every day so excuse me while I get all the info and feedback that I can.

Sksos1...many mahalos.
I guess in the end one has to buy, try and if necessary sell on and try again.
I've spent the last 3 weeks quizzing Audiogoners and others but as Dover stated I'm still fluffing around and changing my mind every other day.
Time to commit to something and see what happens.
That darned golden grail ;-)

Dover,
I'm not nervous about the money just being careful and taking in all the data I can. Kinda excited actually as this is not something I do very often!
I agree that any of the TT options will be good ..in fact...great. I am just looking to fine tune the decision as much as possible and also deciding what "sound" is most important to me and the rest of my system.
If I am so unhappy with my choice and have to try again...well no biggie. Fortunately the prices I have been quoted are such that I should be able to move it without a loss.

Mordante...read his original post mate...he fancies owning an SME not an Oracle or a TW or an Avid etc.
Mikesmith.......obviously you are interested in SME so don't let others muddy the waters.
It's too easy to just list a whole range of different tables as Mordante has done...but you could spend the next 2 years trying to hear them.
If you have an urge to own an SME then find out all you can about it and make your decision.
Trust me I asked the same question on a different thread and so many posters wanted me to try something i had not asked about my head was spinning.
It's nice people want to help with their advise but it's not helpful to have them just add to your list because it's what they are using right now or what they have a soft spot for.

What these posts and forums underscores is how everyone has an opinion mostly based on his or her preferences, purchases and in many cases biases.
There really is little objectivity.
All you can do is take note, filter, distill and then trust your gut :-)
Congrats on the purchase. I'm sure you will be more than happy.
I just went through the same exercise and am now waiting for my 20/12 to arrive.
Don't know about you, but I'm as excited as hell.
What cartridge do you plan on using?

Congrats Mikesmith!
Enjoy!
(still waiting for my 20/12A)

Manitunc.
Seriously mate. You haven't heard the SME table and your only source of reference is what you have read on line. Hardly objective commenting!

"and will likely sound as good or better than the SME"...and you know this how?

And as I stated above, herein lies the problem with attaching too much importance to these forums.
While all input is good some is just not very helpful or as in this case just plain biassed in favor of what the commentator owns.
Plus the poster has already bought the table and is now just getting to know it and to try to burst his bubble like this is just not cool.

Enjoy your Sota which I'm sure is very nice, and me and Mikesmith will enjoy our SME's :-)

Aloha!