2. analog
  3. 181738-1590

Should I buy an SME 30/12A for 15K?

I am a vinyl newbie with maybe 100 LPs (or less) in my collection. I have had a Technics SL1210GAE for past 2 years, I just plugged and played it. It’s good but my digital is almost as good or sometimes better.

I recently heard a SME 30/12A at the dealer’s, and it blew my mind, and my digital was no where close (the dealer had almost the same digital -- mine is Nagra Tube DAC, his was the Nagra HD DAC -- and we did on spot comparison, not an apples to apple of course but still best that we could under the circumstances).

 

Now given my relative inexperience with vinyl (I know next to nothing about setup), should I plunge for this offer which is offered to me at 1/3rd the retail price and probably an endgame TT for me.

 

Thoughts?

Also, is this as great an offer as I think it is, are there better TTs at 15K$ retail price (I cannot/will not buy used) than the SME 30/12A?

essrand
allenf1963
370 posts
 

If you have the money to spend, and spending it will not impact your ability to eat or pay rent, then yes, that is one hell of a deal.  However, just because it is a third of the normal retail price doesn't mean it is going to be the turntable setup that gives you the Nirvana sound you are seeking.  I'd like to second the comment about Merrill Williams equipment -- punches WAY ABOVE the price point and the R.E.A.L. 101.3 model could very well be your "end game" table.

 

This comment may be controversial to many on this Forum, but here in Winston-Salem, NC, where I live, there is a multi-Grammy Award winning Studio Mastering individual who researched and auditioned turntables for his studio, and he bought the Rega P10.  Considering he has a TW Acustic Raven LS in his personal system ($20,000 turntable), I think that says quite a lot about the Rega P10.  I know many here have made negative comments about Rega products -- which frankly I don't understand.  But, everyone has their own opinion.  Personally, I think the Rega P8 and P10 are fantastic buys.

 

Good luck on your search and vinyl exploration.  I've collected vinyl since 1971, and I'll love to be in the position you are in right now!  Cheers and Happy New Years!

 

Allen

ghdprentice
7,222 posts
 

I would unhesitatingly buy it. Every purchase of a highly rated professionally reviewed piece of audiophile gear has been a revelation to me and never a disappointment. A beautiful turntable.

perkri
909 posts
 

It would seem, at that price, you won’t have any difficulty selling it should it not suitably impress once set up in your system. Keep the current set up so you can do a direct comparison and then sell which ever one is the “lesser” rig.

 

Its a nice problem to have :)

 

Enjoy!!!

honeyooi
126 posts
 

Once you step up to that game, everything must be equal to get the most of vinyl sound . Go for it and make your life enjoy as long you can afford.

terry9
2,354 posts
 

Don't think twice about it. If (and with the big SME, it's pretty unlikely) you ever abandon analogue, you'll get most or all of your money back when you sell. A great turntable with a mediocre cartridge will still sound very, very good. And turntables don't wear out after 500 hours!

If I didn't already own an air bearing, I'd be salivating at the prospect.

More to discover