SME 10 or Aries 3 with SME IV

Having heard SME arms on Oracle V's, and having heard an Aries 3 (but with a VPI arm of course), my feeling is that an SME arm on an Aries might not be the best match. They both seem to be on the "black background" side of things, which might be too much of a good thing in combination - you might find the combo to lack PRAT.

As Oracle's have a wide open sound, the SME arm is generally considered to be an excellent match to the Oracle (to that point, Oracle even supplies an SME-made Oracle/SME 345 arm). The combination certainly makes nice music to my ears.

I used my IV on both an old TNT and a Basis Ovation, worked well on both. I sold both when I resumed a VPI dealership. Currently awaiting an Aries Extended with 12.7 arm and Super Platter. From listening to the Scout and Scoutmaster I would say that they are not as "dark" and "warm" as the older VPIs or the Basis either: if the Aries is similar I would think that it would work well with the SME. Of course, I liked my old tables with it. I had considered, and may still, buying an Aries table for the SME, Buconero says he has an Aries 3 with 12.7 arm, according to my sales lit. the Aries 3 doesn't come with a 12" arm. In fact the only table available with it currently is the HRX. When I ask Harry why he didn't bring back the Aries Extended he told me that they still had some, that they were Aries 2 tables rather than Aries 3. I obviously didn't care as I ordered one and I am not saying you don't have one; just saying what I was told. Probably totally irrelevant anyway.

So from what I can read Stanwal is that I would not be yearning for an SME 10 if I went for an Aries. Am I correct in assuming this? I know the SME might be the best thing built out there, but come one guys the price hike this table has gone through is quite high. It started out being priced the same as an Orbe and I doubt the SME 10 is worth 4,500 more than the Orbe. For that matter after hearing in the same dealership a Gyro up against the SME 10 yes I did prefer the depth the SME 10 offered but the Gyro had a much wider soundstage. I would only expect the Orbe SE to match the SME 10, hence why i would consider a used SME 10. Once again comments are welcome, don't be shy let's keep this going. Helps me make a decision. cheers NIck L

Hello,
I own the model 10, my previous TT was a gyrodec. One of the reasons I went for the SME was the lack of adjustments needed, all you need to do is level it!! A high quality round level is essential for setting up any table.
The orbe sounded good, the same as the gyro but more of everything including body, but with a suspended design you are forever re-setting. And for my ears they never have the control of fixed designs.
Having seen a few used sme's I would buy one without hesitation. But the power supply was updated, and it does make a big difference, so go for a latter model (sorry unsure of exact dates). The other point of note is that I found mine to be sensitive to the shelf material, so budget for a reasonable shelf. I have had mine for nearly a year now and I am still in awe!! The gyros sounstage was wider, but I have never missed it, the speed, accuracy, delicacy, not to mention the astounding bass has left me satisfied l.p after l.p!!
I have to add I did have some problems with my arm, and sme sorted it, about the best customer service I have encountered!!

Personally, I think you would be happy with either. At this level set up is possibly more significant than differences between tables. But everyone hears different things and only you can make the decision. If I lived in England I would definitely get the SME because the price differential would be in the other direction. I have been corresponding with someone over there who is changing his Scoutmaster Reference for a 20/2 because the pound has gone down in value and he can get a very good deal. You pays your money and you takes your choice, as they say. My own choice was largely based on wanting the 12.7 arm, which is irrelevant to you.