SME is not a company that frequently updates its products. Typically, their turntables undergo years of development and remain in production for decades. This is evidenced by the fact that their first turntable, the Model 30, launched in 1991, is still in production today.

The same is true for their second turntable, the Model 20, launched in 1992, which is also still in production. Therefore, it was somewhat surprising when SME replaced its entry-level Model 6 after only five years.

The SME Model 8 is less of a completely new product as its name suggests and more of an improved version of its predecessor, the Mk II. Given our fondness for older models, this is generally not a bad thing.

We also noticed a significant price increase for the new model compared to its initial launch price. When we tested the Model 6 in 2020, it retailed for £6295 / $8404 / AU$11411. The new SME Model 8 turntable is priced at £9,999 / $10,835 / AU$20,999.

Manufacturing & Design: The new design deviates little from the basic template of its predecessor. The Model 8 remains a compact belt-driven turntable with an external speed controller. SME continues to use some interesting and unusual materials in its construction.

The base is a dense structure made of CNC-machined resin, rather than the aluminum used in other turntables from the company. It is significantly thicker than before, increasing in weight by 40%.

The choice of resin not only reduces costs compared to aluminum but also reportedly provides superior rigidity and damping characteristics.

While its appearance elicited mixed reactions within our team, with some comparing it to a “Fisher Price” toy, its excellent build quality and finish are undeniable.

This is a well-crafted product that exudes a very durable feel. Every part of it feels solid and thoughtfully designed, from the buttons on the speed controller to the perfectly machined base and smooth-operating tonearm—all of which inspire confidence.

The Model 8 is inherently a robust design, contrasting sharply with the elegant “O”-ring suspended sub-chassis structure on the company’s higher-end turntables, in addition to the isolation provided by the platter feet.

However, in use, the Model 8’s layout proved effective enough, and we found it less sensitive to support surfaces and placement near the speakers than many competitors with similar configurations.

Almost all the turntables that passed through our test room tended to use aluminum platters, but this was not the case here. As with previous models, SME engineers opted for an acetal polymer, but this time it was machined to concentrate more of its mass at the edges, increasing rotational inertia and thus contributing to speed stability.

The new platter looks larger than the one on the Model 6, but the weight has not increased.

The turntable’s spindle is a single-point design, machined to the same standards as the company’s higher-end products. The drive is powered by a 24-pole AC motor, controlled by a sophisticated new external speed controller derived from the one used in the top-of-the-line Model 60.

This speed controller is a significant change from the one used in the Model 6 and is much easier to use. Unusually, the speed controller can be fine-tuned for the standard 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds to compensate for any variations in the record. This is a thoughtful feature we hope other manufacturers will offer.

Other notable changes compared to the Model 6 include a high-quality WBT RCA rear socket (now mounted on a sturdy metal plate) and some more stylish platter feet that provide isolation and can be leveled for platter balance.

Tonearm cables are not included in the standard package, so if you don’t have spares, you’ll need to budget for a decent set.

Tonearm and Compatibility

The tonearm has been completely revamped, with the sleek M2-9 tonearm from the Model 6 replaced by the legendary SME Series 309 tonearm. We consider this a significant upgrade and, to some extent, justifies the premium price of the Model 8 over its predecessor.

The Series 309 tonearm is widely regarded as a classic. Originally introduced in 1988, it still feels remarkably modern. Its exquisite engineering inspires confidence in its precision. Internal wiring is sourced from SME’s sister brand, Crystal Cable.

The tonearm’s setup is simple and thoughtful, and the removable cartridge housing makes cartridge replacement effortless. Few competing tonearms offer the same level of confidence or engineering excellence. The same applies to the Model 8 as a whole.

SME doesn’t manufacture cartridges, so our Model 8 was equipped with the excellent Audio-Technica AT-ART20 moving cartridge. Priced at £2749 / $2900 / AU$4999, this is exactly the kind of cartridge that comes with this type of turntable. The AT-ART20 boasts a respectable 0.55mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec) output and is suitable for the standard 100-ohm load offered by most phono preamps compatible with moving cartridges.

However, as always, it’s worth trying, as systems and tastes vary. In our reference system, which included Cyrus’s Phono Signature/PSX-R2 phono preamp, it performed even better at 150 ohms or slightly higher loads.

The rest of our system consisted of Burmester’s 088/911 Mk III amplifiers (with an optional MC phono preamp module integrated into the preamp) and ATC SCM50 loudspeakers. We also had a PMC Cor integrated amplifier and Fyne Audio F1-8 premium bookshelf loudspeakers on hand to observe the Model 8’s performance in different environments. Sonic Performance

Regardless of the system, this record player performs admirably. It doesn’t take long to discern the SME DNA that runs through the Model 8’s sound. It’s a composed narrator; it maintains an enviable calm and control, no matter how complex the musical variations.

When playing demanding recordings like Orff’s *Carmina Burana*, it’s hard not to be impressed by this turntable’s ability to extract a wealth of information and combine it into a coherent and musical whole.

In terms of organization and sonic stability, we believe the Model 8 is on par with the best in its class, provided you use the included heavy record weight.

The SME also provides a solid and well-focused soundstage. Instruments and vocals are firmly locked in place and well-layered. Even when things get complicated, their placement doesn’t wobble or sound muddy.

The sense of depth is good. We like its convincing scale and are satisfied with the authority it presents. The crescendos are powerful and realistic, with almost no audible restraint from the Model 8 at its peaks.

The tonal characteristics of a turntable are largely dependent on the cartridge it’s paired with, and the Audio-Technica AT-ART20 does not disappoint. It’s an excellent performer, with balanced symmetry and high resolution. Together with the Model 8, it produces a rich, textured, flexible, and precise sound.

When turning to Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds’ *The Boatman’s Call*, we enjoyed how this set of playbacks rendered Cave’s husky tone in *Into My Arms*. His voice sounded rich and full, while the accompanying piano playing was also captivating. Despite the excellent sound, we noticed we weren’t quite drawn into the song’s emotion as much as we might have expected.

By the highest standards, it’s clear the Model 8 falls short of its class leader in capturing the dynamic nuances of the piano or vocals. This gives the final result a slightly detached edge, encouraging the listener to analyze the music rather than simply sit and enjoy it.

Some may be satisfied with this sonic character, but we preferred a more emotionally resonant way of playing music.

Billie Eilish’s *Happier Than Ever* reinforced our impression. The Model 8 sounded insightful and steady. It easily tracked the low-level instrumental lines while maintaining a firm grip on the overall sound. The bass was exceptionally powerful and deep, yet almost flawlessly clear, and Eilish’s distinctive voice was presented with admirable clarity.

However, the turntable failed to convey the musical nuances as clearly as we would have hoped, and emotionally, we felt somewhat detached from the lyrics. We could hear every word Eilish spoke, but we weren’t sure if we fully trusted her.

Conclusion
Without a doubt, the Model 8 is an exceptionally good turntable. It, along with the accompanying Series 309 tonearm, is beautifully engineered and clearly built for long-term use. This turntable combination is easy to set up and use, and its relatively simple design means that over time, very few adjustments will be needed.

What Hi*Fi? Rating
Sound Quality 4
Manufacturing 5
Features 5

SME Model 8 Technical Specifications
Design Type: Belt Drive
Operation Method: Manual
Speed: 33⅓, 45 RPM
Cartridge: Audio Techica AT-ART20
Dimensions: 15 x 43.5 x 32 cm (H x W x D)
Weight: 12.4 kg (turntable) + 2.4 kg (external power supply)
Appearance Finishes x 3 (Black, White, Midnight Blue)