In praise of the sme v

[Snoopdog]

I bought an SME V when it first came out in 1987. At the time, it was the right choice for my Oxford Acoustics Crystal Reference turntable and Koetsu Rosewood Signature mc cartridge.

I kept that combo for 21 years and have many fond memories of the music it made.

[Marco]

The quote about stupidity is famous, and, normally interpreted as humorous.

Yes, provided one is familiar with the quote, and therefore that's how it is interpreted. What's 'famous' to you could be unknown to someone else. The danger in these situations is presuming that what you know, others will automatically know.

Also, that what you consider as humorous will be appreciated as such by others - and crucially - when that's patently NOT the case (and in fact has caused offence), to accept it and make amends for it, rather than apportioning the 'blame' on the other person, simply because he or she wasn't on the same wavelength...

Marco.

[struth]

I bought an SME V when it first came out in 1987. At the time, it was the right choice for my Oxford Acoustics Crystal Reference turntable and Koetsu Rosewood Signature mc cartridge.

I kept that combo for 21 years and have many fond memories of the music it made.

That looks the BIZ Steve! not seen that one b4.

[aniki]

And believe it or not, so have quite a few others out in the big world of HiFi.

You were doing so well! And then in an ironic twist of events you just had to be pompous and condescending.

[Joe]

Of course, one thing this thread highlights is the impossibility (and undesirability) of attempting to rank hifi equipment in terms good, better and best. Who gets to decide what the ranking should be, and on what criteria? How important are such things as build quality and sample consistency? Is ease of use also a factor?

In terms of sound quality, all the fancy jargon about timing, detail, soundstage, shape of notes, leading edges etc etc comes down to: 'Do I like the sound this equipment is making?', a subjective question to which there is no 'correct' answer.

So, although context is a factor, and it's useful to know what comparators have been used to conclude that X is the best tonearm, amp, CDP or whatever, the individual's preference cannot be disproved, even if it's not one's own.

[Gordon Steadman]

You were doing so well! And then in an ironic twist of events you just had to be pompous and condescending.

As far as people having had experience of all this different hi-fi, it depends on a number of things. Firstly aural memory is notoriously fickle. Secondly, they were listening with their ears not mine. Thirdly, I need to see a list of all the arms they have listened to, with which cartridge, which deck, amplifier and speakers and then I want to see a copy of the receipts.

Only then will I half accept that their opinion has any relevance to my hi-fi, listening habits and choice of music.

I could claim the same. I've been listening to hi-fi for over 50 years and have heard so much stuff I remember a fraction of it. I have no idea how any of it would compare to what I'm listening to now.

I do remember listening to an SME versus the Mission and preferred the SME. Nothing proved whatsoever.

[Joe]

As far as people having had experience of all this different hi-fi, it depends on a number of things. Firstly aural memory is notoriously fickle. Secondly, they were listening with their ears not mine. Thirdly, I need to see a list of all the arms they have listened to, with which cartridge, which deck, amplifier and speakers and then I want to see a copy of the receipts.

I'd also insist on at least a sketch plan, and preferably a photograph, of their listening room. For all I know, they might be listening in a 6 foot square cubbyhole. A photograph would have the added advantage of enabling me to assess their taste in interior decoration, and to scan their bookshelves for evidence of literary preferences.

[Snoopdog]

That looks the BIZ Steve! not seen that one b4.

Thanks Grant! I found some old photos when I went to sell it in 2009, so will start a new thread "Anatomy of a turntable!"

The Oxford was a great turntable and was very well reviewed by Martin Colloms in Hi Fi News at the time. He favourably compared it's performance with a Goldmund turntable which was mega-bucks!

[Gordon Steadman]

I'd also insist on at least a sketch plan, and preferably a photograph, of their listening room. For all I know, they might be listening in a 6 foot square cubbyhole. A photograph would have the added advantage of enabling me to assess their taste in interior decoration, and to scan their bookshelves for evidence of literary preferences.

[The Black Adder]

I didn't know the IV was that olde.

I'd like to see what another SME would sound on my TD124.. but for now my Audio Origami-fied 3009 S2 (None imp.) is staying. It's really quite smashing!