Inside SME Ltd.–A Pictorial Factory Tour of the Analog Legend; Part 3

Posted by: Neil Gader at 9:09 am, August 16th, 2009

This is the work station for the critical vertical bearing assembly; the small hand press (right) is used to check tolerances/resistance.

Detail of bearing assembly
 

SME's latest tonearm, the twelve-inch V-12

V-12 tonearms awaiting final QC prior to packaging and shipping.

Tables playing-in prior to final QC and shipping. These will running continuously at various speeds for seven days.

This one-of-a-kind gold plated beauty is destined for a lucky and wealthy customer in China. Keep in mind that the MSRP for a "stock" Model 30 with Series V tonearm is roughly $40K. The price for this baby? Like the old cliche; If you have to ask, you can't afford it.