SME Model 6
High-end turntables · 2020–? Discontinued
$4,500–$6,500 typical US used price
The most affordable complete SME turntable, pairing an aluminium-plinth deck with SME's own precision tonearm — the company famous for making 'the best pick-up arm in the world'.
SME now sells complete decks, not just its legendary arms.
Good to know
- No built-in phono stage — use an amplifier with a phono input or add a separate phono preamplifier.
- Sold without a cartridge fitted — budget for a compatible cartridge and setup before first use.
- This is a used-market purchase. Ask about condition, originality and service history, especially the belt, bearing and stylus.
- Professional setup of tracking force, alignment, azimuth and arm height is worth budgeting for at this level.
Specifications
| Drive | belt drive |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 33/45 rpm |
| Operation | manual |
| Cartridge included | sold bare |
| Built-in phono stage | No |
| USB output | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Platter | aluminium |
| Tonearm | SME M2-9 |
| Finishes | Black, White, Midnight Blue |
| Warranty | 24 months standard; extendable to 5 years with product registration |
| Years | 2020–? |
Cartridge and replacement stylus
The fitted cartridge is not mapped to a verified replacement part. See the model-specific stylus guidance →
Where to buy the SME Model 6
4 US retailers handle used or discontinued decks like this — each outbound link searches the deck on that retailer’s site.
| Retailer | Type | Shipping | Product search |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar Center | music retail | Free standard shipping on most orders $25+. | View at Guitar Center ↗ |
| Reverb | used marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | View at Reverb ↗ |
| Upscale Audio | hifi independent | Free USA shipping on orders over $99 (exclusions for oversized items). | View at Upscale Audio ↗ |
| eBay | marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | View at eBay ↗ |
Compare it
Model 6 vs VPI PrimeModel 6 vs AVID Volvere SPModel 6 vs Dr. Feickert Analogue WoodpeckerModel 6 vs Luxman PD-151 MkII
Compare the Model 6 against any other deck →
