SME Model 6

The most affordable complete SME turntable, pairing an aluminium-plinth deck with SME's own precision tonearm — the company whose long-standing slogan was 'the best pick-up arm in the world'.

SME now sells complete decks, not just its legendary arms.

Who it suits

Best suited to: an established system where the amp, speakers and room can resolve what this deck retrieves from the groove. Less ideal for: a first turntable — the same budget goes much further spent on mid-range separates first; anyone who wants a manufacturer warranty — this model is no longer sold new.

Compatibility and setup

• Manual operation: you cue and lift the tonearm by hand at the start and end of each side — there’s no auto-return or auto-lift.

Good to know

• No built-in phono stage — use an amplifier with a phono input or add a separate phono preamplifier.
• Sold without a cartridge fitted — budget for a compatible cartridge and setup before first use.
• This is a used-market purchase. Ask about condition, originality and service history — for this drive type, check the drive belt (often perished or stretched with age) and bearing, plus the stylus regardless.
• Professional setup of tracking force, alignment, azimuth and arm height is worth budgeting for at this level.

Specifications

Where to buy the SME Model 6

2 UK merchants handle used or discontinued decks like this — each outbound link searches the deck on that merchant’s site.

Compare it

Compare the Model 6 against any other deck →

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