High-fidelity audio represents the apex of contemporary home audio equipment. It’s designed for audiophiles who demand exceptional quality, in both craftsmanship and sound.
Often distinguished by top pricing and innovative technologies, such products promise an exceptional acoustic experience. The journey for high-fidelity sound began in the 1930s and 1940s, an era marked by groundbreaking advancements in recording techniques, the development of sophisticated tape machines, and the creation of superior turntables tailored for quality playback.
The Origins of High-Fidelity Audio
High-fidelity sound is the next-best thing to hearing live musicians, and the quest for the perfect sound experience has become a favoured pastime for many enthusiasts. Music influences life. It alters emotion. It is a form of entertainment and one of the first forms of communication. Its uses extend to therapy, philosophy, and religion. Being able to capture and reproduce music in its purest form is essential.
In the hi-fi sector, some brands have stayed true to their core DNA and continue to develop their high-fidelity products all in one place. Scale Model Equipment Company, or SME, is one such brand located in Steyning, England, and founded by Alastair Robertson-Aikman in 1946.
Early Precision and Expansion
Robertson-Aikman initially produced elite precision models for the exhibition and model-engineering sectors. By 1950, the company expanded into engineering subcontracting, producing precision aircraft parts for prestigious companies such as Rolls-Royce, Hawker Aircraft, and Martin-Baker.
In 1959, Robertson-Aikman designed a pick-up arm, or tonearm, for his hi-fi system. After showing his friends the prototype, he was encouraged to produce it commercially. The response was so enthusiastic that a new factory was built to meet the demand, and the company’s name was changed to SME Limited.
Present-Day Excellence
Today, SME maintains a position as a supreme turntable manufacturer worldwide, showing exceptional commitment to in-house engineering and stringent standards in tooling processes.
It offers a line of turntables ranging from high-end, ready-to-play solutions to more complex, suspended designs. SME’s products are built on heavy-mass materials, created from premium solid-cut aluminium billets or an advanced polymer resin.
In SME’s higher-end series, the suspension system provides definitive resonance control and houses the main bearing, platter, and tonearm. The tonearms designed by SME are unlike any other on the market. Even after six decades, they are among the most sought-after tonearms today.
Material Innovation and Quality
SME uses magnesium in its tonearm designs as a single-piece pressure die-cast component. Internal constrained layers damp residual vibration, rendering the tonearm acoustically inert.
Between the arm tube and the bearing tolerances holding it together, complete stability in vinyl playback is achieved. SME turntables are synonymous with audio purity. They enable listeners to immerse themselves in the true essence of vinyl recordings, as intended by the artists.
Commitment to In-House Engineering
From the company’s integrity to its in-depth, hands-on development of extensive material testing, SME ensures the delivery of impeccably refined audio products that stand as testaments to its legacy and expertise in the field.
Consumers are often influenced by marketing to buy premium audio equipment that may not deliver the advertised level of sound quality. SME stands out by employing genuine in-house engineering and adhering to strict standards, allowing precise refinement of its products.
Enduring Legacy
Since 1946, SME has made no compromises in its production standards. Its legacy is built on a foundation of unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
This company’s dedication to in-house engineering and rigorous material testing continues to set it apart in the high-fidelity turntable industry. SME’s turntables remain a benchmark for audio excellence.
SME Limited continues to set standards for high-fidelity turntables. The company’s commitment to engineering excellence and quality craftsmanship has made it a leader in the industry.
With no compromises since 1946, SME’s legacy continues to be one of innovation, precision, and unparalleled audio experience.