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SME service is terrible. Can’t buy any accessories from local dealers here in USA

Talk about a pain in the … I’m trying to get a basic setup tool for my 309 arm a HTA key to adjust the horizontal tracking. I found out SME doesn’t allow dealers to sell any accessories or parts for their turntables and arms. WTF! This means if you need a common replacement part like belt your looking at 2 weeks for the part to arrive.
Not only that but shipping from the UK isn’t cheap. Who ever at SME made this bone headed decision at SME needs to fired or better yet, something worse!
hiendmmoe
gordon
160 posts
 
Here's the response I got from Acoustic Sounds a couple years ago.

Hi Gordon,
You will have to call SME and order the oil and dampening fluid directly from them. SME only sells directly to customers now. Thanks
Post removed 
dogberry
967 posts
 

This thread has re-appeared due to the post above this (which has been removed). I'll add that Analogue Seduction sells SME parts, including oil, damping fluid and the HTA key, or an e-mail to Elaine Wratten at SME ([email protected]) will also get a quick response.

However, that key is a ludicrous price (currently £47.98) so I would suggest a torx driver from the local hardware shop would be better, if you can find a fit, as it is a non-standard size. The SME key is 3mm from point to opposite point, which is between a T10 (2.74mm) and a T15 (3.27mm).

billstevenson
1,219 posts
 

To offset the negative comment above, I have had two tonearms completely rebuilt by Alfred of SME Canada and everything was done properly and promptly.  I found him personable and easy to work with too.

mauidj
128 posts
 

I've owned SME products since the early 1970's
I still love my SME 20/12 but dealing with them is now getting to be a royal PITA.
Recently needed a set of suspension O rings and the US Importer quoted over $20 each...thats $850 for the set.

Still waiting to hear back from them regarding availability of those and some fluids. Been a month now.
And my wonderful dealer cant help as he is no longer allowed to sell spares.
Between this and no longer selling arms alone.....The guy who purchased SME is an idiot!

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