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To SME or not to SME?

...that is the question. I have an irrationally strong urge to sell my Orbe SE, a very nice 'table in it's own right and order a SME 20/3. I've posted an ad for a used 30/2 but haven't received any responses. I have a new SME V to mount on the table. Could the SME be a last 'table purchase, or will the urge strike again a couple of years down the road if not sooner? Thoughts, opinions from members with ownership or listening experiences with the Orbe SE or any of the SME tables would be greatly appreciated.
mikesmith

Showing 5 responses by sksos1

sksos1
395 posts
 
To your original post. NOT an SME for me. I've used a SME 20/3 and yes it has the blackest soundstage and pinpoint imaging BUT it had no life. It was DEAD sounding and uninvolvimng. NEVER again an SME IMHO.
sksos1
395 posts
 
I don't represent or currently sell ANY turntables so I have no agenda I'm just stating a fact of when I was "loaned" an SME 20 table it made my system dead dead dead! The SME 10 I've never heard so my comments are only regarding the 20.
sksos1
395 posts
 
Mauidj ~ I had the 20 for at least 5 weeks and during that time didn't want to listen to mt system because it had no "life" no "engaement" no PRAT with the SME 20 in it. I could list all the equipment but let's just say there was over 200K of gear that hadn't been changed except for the TT. Myself I'd NEVER consider an SME, at least the 20 becasue of my own experience yours and others may differ.
sksos1
395 posts
 
I’m currently using a direct drive which has great rhythm and pace but lacks inner detail, still searching myself for the golden grail. I’ve used in the past which was much better than the SME, a Basis Debut Sig, a SYD S7 and S10 (although I now prefer the direct drive approach) and some of Dr. Feickert tables have floated my boat. I do listen to 90% analog and have over 12,000 albums!
sksos1
395 posts
 
Hi Ron - I have no idea what a 30 sounds like, have never heard one but trust your ears. For me the 20 was the most un-involving table I ever had in my system and yes it was with the SMEV arm, all I know is I myself would never consider that table EVER. And I thought the S10 was a significant improvement over the S7 but really not worth the price of admission IMHO.
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