Fanthorpes HiFi are now SME dealers

SME has a huge reputation and pedigree in the HiFi industry, needless to say we're pleased to have them onboard.

Founded in 1946 by Alastair Robertson-Aikman and originally known as the Scale Model Equipment Company. The company designed and manufactured intricate models for the exhibition and model engineering trade. It then expanded into producing precision aircraft parts for the likes of Rolls-Royce. Even today, a large part of the business involves precision engineering for the medical, automotive, Formula 1 and aerospace industries.

However, in 1959 Alastair required a tonearm arm of his own and designed a prototype to critical acclaim, so in September of 1959 the company was re-branded to SME. Its first precision tonearm went into production comprising of individually machined components.

Now with over 50 years experience of making tonearms. SME still manufacture in house and are considered the leaders in making quality, precision tonearms and turntables.

We will have the SME Model 15 Turntable and 309 Tonearm on demonstration in the coming weeks, with more decks and arms to follow.

SME Model 15 Turntable - £6179

Fan of engineering? If so, you’ll love this deck.

The SME Model 15 is a compact and heavy turntable, weighing in at almost 20kg.

The Model 15 is a suspended deck, but not by conventional methods. It uses 30 moulded rubber O-rings, combined with a central fluid-filled damper to help control the motion of the subchassis.

A 4.6kg fully machined platter, crafted from aluminium, provides the turntable with extra damping. To keep your record in place the Model 15 Turtables comes with a large diameter reflex record clamp.

All of this is driven by a 3 phase, brushless outrunner motor with 8-pole Neodymium magnets and 3 integrated Hall effect sensors. Due to the motors weight (2.5kg) it is virtually vibrationless, but this hasn't stopped SME taking it one step further by isolating the motor further by using urethane mounts that are adjustable for accurate belt positioning.

SME 309 Tonearm - £1875

The SME 309 Tonearm is crafted using a unique one-piece magnesium. Advanced metal techniques produce a fabricated arm of exceptional stiffness, and the counterweights are made using a tungsten-alloy on damped two-point suspension.

The 309 Tonearm also comes equipped with a detachable and interchangeable pressure die-cast magnesium head shell. Providing the convenience of rapid cartridge interchange without loss of rigidity.

Trade In

Of course, at Fanthorpes we love to trade in, so if you want to trade in your existing HiFi against the SME Tonearms or SME Turntables, contact us and we will let you know what it is worth as a trade in.

Finance Available

We can also offer buy now pay later on SME, allowing you to spread or defer your payments over a year.

UK Delivery and Install Service

When you buy SME from Fanthorpes HiFi, we can provide a nationwide delivery and installation service within mainland UK. Our installer will drive to your house and install your new electronics.