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SME vs. Clearaudio Turntable Comparison - Thoughts?

My current system:
Primaluna Dialog Premium HP integrated amp
Parasound JC-3 phono preamp
Harbeth 40.1 speakers
Clearaudio Performance SEP TT w/Lyra Delos cartridge
Clear Day Cables double shotgun speaker cables

Thinking about upgrading the Clearaudio TT to something new and looking for opinions.

Given a choice between a Clearaudio Innovation Wood with Universal tonearm or a SME model 20 with a SME V tonearm, which would you choose and why?

My take is that Clearaudio is a bit more aerospace tech oriented and SME is more old school industrial design built like a Mac truck.  

I love the appearance of both models, somewhat favoring the looks of the SME for it's classic styling and also digging the Innovation for it's non-traditional appearance.  

Bottom line is sonics, so I'd really like to hear your thoughts on which one sounds better if you have heard both or either.  I primarily listen to rock, folk, and jazz.  

Thanks,

Peter
128x128snackeyp
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 

 The ClearAudio Innovation Wood is an Excellent table. The platter floats on a magnetic bearing and spins with virtually no resistance. I also think the magnetic bearing helps isolate the platter from vibration. It has an electronic speed control that continually adjusts the speed of the platter. And if you want there is a place you can mount a second arm. I have the Universal arm on mine and I am extremely happy with the pair. I have not heard the SME. I will say that if I ever do upgrade it would probably be to a Kronos turntable.


don_c55
1,025 posts
 
The SME V was designed in 1987 and not changed since.  Old tech.

Poor fine tuned arm hight adjustment - they do not care about SRA, and no azimuth adjustment, are deal breakers for me.  Owned one for years and it sounded too "dead" with most MC cartridges.  IMO. YMMV.

Go for the Clearaudio.
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lawrencedavid
2 posts
 
I agree with Don, The SME was a fine table in it's day - but there is a ton of technology that has been developed over the years i.e optical speed control systems, bearing materials, use of magnetically suspended platters etc. The Clearaudio is the clear winner between these two tables - no question. Especially considering there is an Innovation with 12" universal on A-Gon right now for a silly low price. If I was in the market I'd snatch that up in a heartbeat. 
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