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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.

128x128tobes

Showing 2 responses by snackeyp

snackeyp's avatar
snackeyp
455 posts
 
I'm a very happy owner of a 20/2 w/V mkiv arm.  I've had it for about two years and have no desire to change.  
I have not heard the 15 but those I know who have say it's nearly as good as the 20.  
Happy listening!
snackeyp's avatar
snackeyp
455 posts
 
I have the SME 20/2 that I bought about 6 years ago and can honestly say it's a real keeper.  I'm not saying I will never upgrade to something else, but for 6 years now I have had no interest in doing so.  It's just rock solid and the longer I own it the more I love it.  I bought mine as new old stock for a bargain price before the vinyl boom began, but I still see used ones now and then for not a ton of coin.  The thing about them is they will pretty much never wear out, so if you buy a used one from someone who didn't abuse it, you shouldn't have to worry about issues down the road.  
I did upgrade the tonearm to a Tri-Planer, and I'm glad I did.  It sounds much better than the SME IV.vi that came with the deck, and is easier to set up.  That said the SME tonearms are excellent in their own right.  
Once you hear an SME deck you will understand how a turntable is supposed to sound.  Unsuspended decks sound more lively and some would say even exciting than an SME, but this is because of the extra vibrations that are reaching the stylus through the plinth, platter and tone arm.  Once you isolate from vibration you can hear much deeper into the music.  Removing distortion is less exciting for some, but when combined with the proper cartridge and other components the true sound of the music is revealed.  I honestly believe you cannot miss with an SME TT.  It's the best thing I have heard.  I'm sometimes curious about other brands, but never enough to sell it off and try something else.  It's just too good.  It's like a family member to me now.  I love it too much to part with it.  If I ever decide to get something else I will just keep the SME as a second deck.  
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