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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
tobes's avatar
tobes OP
436 posts
 
moonglum595 posts02-17-2019 10:45pmThe only other concern for turntables using a Graham is weight vs suspension (LP12 was always a “no”) but I don’t see that being an issue. Check first?

So your final decision must be whether you consider the SME 15 to be good enough to replace your TNT?
A wildcard thought is to suspend the TNT on an aftermarket isolation platform as an alternative.
Thanks for the thoughts. I hadn't considered the weight - the SME V weighs 720g and the Phantom 1100g. That's a bit of a difference, though I've never seen it mentioned that the damped/adjustable SME suspension pods are fussy in this respect(?).

My TNT is a bit of an experimenters kit - original plinth and heavy acrylic/lead platter, Mk 5 main bearing (last of the non-inverted type), the ball 'suspension' pods integrated single motor/flywheel and SDS.  
I'm pretty confident an expertly conceived/executed design like the SME 15 would be a step up - and build quality on another level.

tomic6012,026 posts02-18-2019 6:22amI would suggest a Brinkmann Bardo on a HRS base with upgraded tube power supply as something to consider for your most excellent tonearm The new SS power supply is also fantastic and comes included w table.
The Brinkmann is a beautiful looking and is highly regarded turntable. In Australia the price falls between the SME 15 and SME 20 and breaches the limit I've imposed on the upgrade (though not by a huge amount).
It doesn't have the suspension of the SME designs, which may compromise its ultimate performance without an isolation platform. The Brinkmann HRS base is an expensive item itself which puts the price well beyond the SME 20.
The concept and execution looks excellent though and probably one I should consider. Thanks.
tobes's avatar
tobes OP
436 posts
 
I love the Graham arm but looking around another thought occurs to me.
For the same price as the SME 15 I could get a VPI Prime Signature which includes the JMW-10 3D arm.
I could use the Prime with the SDS I already own and sell the Phantom making this move pretty cost effective move.
I wonder how such a setup would stack up against the SME/Phantom? (not expecting a response, just spitballing).

Edit: After looking at the adjustments on the JMW, they don't look nearly as precise or repeatable as the Phantom - don't know if that's something I could live with ergonomically, even without weighing up the sound quality.....back to the SME option I think.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I would say the SME.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I would say the SME.  I would say go listen and see what suits your liking.  its the only way.
tobes's avatar
tobes OP
436 posts
 
Not that easy here.
In Australia tables in this price range are sold in fairly low volumes - the SME 15 would have to be ordered without demo (i.e not in stock).
I could audition the similarly priced Kuzma Stabi R - though I'd have to extrapolate how it would sound with the Phantom.
There is a fairly new Kuzma Reference 2 available for private sale at the same price as the SME 15. I've been offered a listen to the Ref2 - though again, not with my arm (I'd have to order a SME cutout board).
The Ref 2 normally sells at the price of the SME20 in Aus and seems highly regarded as a neutral platform. 
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