SME Model 8 + M2-9
Turntable
Relative price
above typical
Among the 40 turntables in the catalogue, this one is above typical.
A band places a component against its peers and carries no price. It is deliberately the only price indicator on this page: a second one, measured against a different set, would narrow the two together far enough to give the figure away.
What it is
SME entry Model 8 with DSP-controlled motor.
What the reviewers said
SME engineering precision, Hi-Fi News reference SME Model 8 + Hi-Fi News Model 6/8/12 family reviews· Mechanical noise floor
spectacularly low through-groove rumble -74.0dB Hi-Fi News Lab (Miller) 2025· Mechanical noise floor
wow 0.02%, flutter 0.04% Hi-Fi News Lab (Miller) 2025· Timing precision
precise, ordered stage PROXY: SME deck house· Spatial naturalness
How it scores
Clarity
- Mechanical noise floor 82 from listening evidence
Voice
- Spatial naturalness 72 from listening evidence
Rhythm
- Timing precision 76 from listening evidence
Specifications
| drive type | belt |
|---|---|
| motor type | DSP-controlled AC |
| speeds rpm | 33.33/45 |
| suspension type | isolation feet |
| supplied tonearm | SME M2-9 |
| weight kg | 13.0 |
| psu type | external |
| notes |