Tonearm Reviews: 618
To add a review or rate a tonearm, browse for the model and use the review form.
displaying reviews 1 to 9 of 9
SME Series IV![]()
On my Pink Triangle Anniversary with a Ortofon Black 2M sounds punchy bass amazing highs and awesome vocals to die for better than listening to my CDs on a Quad DMP which I find quite dull compared to this Turntable set up really has brought my Monitor audio 9s alive which I now love even more
I heard this a few times before taking the plunge. I do not see a time when I will sell this arm. Partnered with a Dynavector DV-20XH on a Gyrodec / HR-PSU. Bliss.
When I said I would spend £3000 for an arm (which still needed a further £1000+ for the cartridge) my friends said I was nuts. Now I just immerse myself in 3d sound via my (Linn/SME IV/Ortofon Cadenza Blue) front end and know that I was correct.
My second hand purchase of 2009 series IV has delighted me with its clear sound and uncoloured bass. It came with the silver hybrid VDH501 cable and I made an all copper external lead to compare, which I actually prefer.
Not only good but also robust, and beautiful in a minimalist functional sense (less nouveau riche than the SME V). Neutral if the ability to come close to the sound-character of a digital source using the same pre-master is a criterion (yes, once upon a time I made such experiments when adjusting the vinyl equipment), extremely good at dynamics and staging. I use it with an early 90's SME V-tonearm cable (vdH), and over the years (since 1989) have had it fitted with different varieties of AT MC-cartridges of the OC9 and 33 pedigrees.
Fantastic tracking, rock solid imaging and dynamics,does most things well if critical it can be a little safe compared to say AO PU7.
Fantastic arm - tried with Avid Diva II then Avid Volvere / Koetsu black Goldline - very accurate and fantastically well made - however needs the VDH 501 tonearm cable replacing to realise its potential .
One the finest arms I've heard.fast, pacey, agile sound. First rate imaging. (tested with logic dm-101 & avid volvere turntables & koetsu rosewood sig, empire mc5-m & VDH cart.
|
To post a review for the SME Series IV, please login or register a free account
Design and Content © Vinyl Engine 2002-2019
HiFi Engine | FAQ | Site Policy | Advertising | Cookie Options