To SME or not to SME?

I have an SME 10 with SME V arm and AirTight PC-1 cartridge. This combo has a low noise floor (I don't know what Blackest soundstage means) and very good imaging. My system is anything but "dead and uninvolving". I don't know how much to attribute to the turntable as I have never inserted other tables into my system and am not able to isolate what the SME 10 is doing to the overall sound. I'm considering upgrading to a better SME table as I have read the 20/3 and 30 have more bass extension and even blacker backgrounds. They also have better isolation.

My suspicion is that an SME table is a good/excellent and neutral foundation for a front end. If one hears something else, it is in the arm/cartridge/tonearm cable or something further up the chain.

Unfortunately, SME is very expensive in the US. I read that the factory has no trouble selling all of it considerable output, so many music lovers are indeed saying "TO SME".

I don't represent or currently sell ANY turntables so I have no agenda I'm just stating a fact of when I was "loaned" an SME 20 table it made my system dead dead dead! The SME 10 I've never heard so my comments are only regarding the 20.

Sksos1 You still don't say what else was in the front end system.
I'm also guessing that as the 20/3 is brand new you didn't use it for long.
So what do you mean by dead? Is that a lack of coloration? Of warmth? Dead how?
Dead or lifeless seem to be the buzz words used by SME bashers....not saying that it's not deserved...but it's funny how polarizing this brand is.
I am seriously considering a 20/12 and am intrigued by your very negative comments.

Mauidj - why are you fluffing around still. I thought you had decided to buy an Oracle. Have you changed your mind again. With regard to all these opinions you have to look at the rest of their systems. In the case of Sksos1 if you look at his threads you will see he has 8watt tube amp and Ocelia speakers. You need to search the systems for people with systems and tastes similar to yourself.

Mauidj ~ I had the 20 for at least 5 weeks and during that time didn't want to listen to mt system because it had no "life" no "engaement" no PRAT with the SME 20 in it. I could list all the equipment but let's just say there was over 200K of gear that hadn't been changed except for the TT. Myself I'd NEVER consider an SME, at least the 20 becasue of my own experience yours and others may differ.