{"id":28489,"date":"2026-03-06T00:00:06","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T16:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.richcoln.com\/?p=28489"},"modified":"2026-03-09T12:35:43","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T04:35:43","slug":"sme-model8_hi-finews-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richcoln.com\/zh\/2026\/03\/06\/sme-model8_hi-finews-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Accuracy & Musicality in One | hi-finews Review: SME Model 8 Turntable"},"content":{"rendered":"

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For a company not exactly known for \u2018product churn\u2019, SME has been uncommonly busy with the release of several new turntables, including the flagship Model 60 [HFN Jul \u201922], the Model 35 [HFN Jul \u201925] and now the \u00a39999 Model 8. The latter replaces the Model 6 that, fitted with an SME M2-9 tonearm, marked a departure for SME on its release in 2020. Not only was it the company\u2019s first \u2018entry level\u2019 design, it was also the first to utilise a solid, non-suspended plinth arrangement and the first SME deck to employ an AC motor.<\/p>\n

Unlike many of SME\u2019s \u2018legacy\u2019 decks that remain in the catalogue [see boxout], the Model 6 is wholly replaced by the Model 8, making a few key changes along the way. Most noticeable is the plinth, now both thicker and with a claimed 40% increase in mass, and made from a material similar to the well-damped polymer of SME\u2019s new Vi tonearms, promising improved resonance control.<\/p>\n

Level up<\/strong>
This plinth has also been restyled over the Model 6, gaining an elegant \u2018waistline\u2019 machined around its edge. The arm mounting board is less obvious and the embossed \u20188\u2019 recessed into the plinth\u2019s surface is a welcome improvement on the \u2018M6del\u2019 labelling found on its predecessor, which always set off my grammatical OCD.<\/p>\n

The deck is easily levelled using four adjustable feet \u2013 the Model 6\u2019s feet were fixed \u2013 and its AC motor is derived from that used in the Model 60. There\u2019s no separate transformer enclosure and control unit at this price level, but the Model 8\u2019s 33.3\/45rpm controller [see boxout] bears a stronger family resemblance to that of its bigger brothers.<\/p>\n

New colourways have also been introduced, so while the Model 6 operated on the Henry Ford colour palette, the Model 8 is available in Black, White and SME\u2019s new signature Midnight Blue.<\/p>\n

Get a grip<\/strong>
The Model 8\u2019s platter is also a little chunkier than before, tipping the scales at around 1.8kg. The top surface is styled to resemble a mat (and, amusingly, looks quite Garrard-esque!) but it lacks the \u2018grippy\u2019 diamond scroll finish of the manufacturer\u2019s higher specification turntables. This gave rise to an unexpected issue when the Model 8 was used sans record weight \u2013 more of which later.<\/p>\n

At the rear of the plinth are high quality, gold-plated WBT phono sockets and an earth terminal. The AC input to the deck is through a low voltage power connector on the end of a flying lead from the controller.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, another obvious difference between the Model 6 and Model 8 lies in the choice of tonearm. The Model 6 came in standard and \u2018Classic\u2019 formats featuring the M2-9 and M2-9R arms, respectively, but the Model 8 is fitted with SME\u2019s 309 [HFN Aug \u201989] instead. Dating from 1988, this was the second arm developed from the original Series V [HFN Oct \u201984], following on from the Series IV [HFN Jul \u201987]. Available originally in 9in, 10in and 12in versions, it became a firm favourite for delivering much of the Series V\u2019s performance at a lower price.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s 309 has been subtly improved but is still instantly recognisable. It is based around a cast magnesium alloy armtube, with internal constrained layer damping, and a detachable die-cast magnesium alloy headshell for quick cartridge changes. Internal wiring for this Model 8 version comes from Crystal Cable.<\/p>\n

Both vertical and horizontal movement of the arm are provided through precision ball race bearings, and anti-skating is set using a rotary control that operates on a tensioned spring and filament. The usual SME sliding base, and pillar (height) adjustment, makes for easy cartridge alignment and VTA setting.<\/p>\n

Hex appeal<\/strong>
The main way in which the 309 differs from the Series V is that its horizontal balancing and application of stylus tracking force are entirely manual and uncalibrated, seemingly necessitating the use of a stylus balance. However, SME provides a branded 3mm ball-ended hex driver that not only unlocks the base and the main counterweight but is also used to adjust the fore\/aft position of the counterweight to set the tracking force.<\/p>\n

The clever bit is that this hex driver has the letters A, B, C and D marked on its handle, and one complete rotation of the driver from A back to A adjusts downforce by exactly 0.5g in either direction. It\u2019s a simple but ingenious touch, helping to ensure the Model 8 is an absolute doddle to set up, aided by clear and well-illustrated instructions.<\/p>\n

Hallmark hi-fi<\/strong>
With the turntable connected to my regular Yamaha C-5000\/M-5000 combo [HFN Aug \u201920] and fitted with a Clearaudio MC Essence cartridge [HFN Aug \u201917], it wormed its way into my affections very quickly. It has all the hallmarks of an SME product, its level of detail retrieval being first class, even if it presents the music in an arguably smoother, more approachable fashion to its bigger brothers.<\/p>\n

There is one very important caveat, though, and that is you must always use the supplied record weight\/clamp. A brief listen to the Model 8 without it revealed that it\u2019s an essential part of the design. With the record weight absent, bass is less sure-footed, as is that signature SME sound. As PM postulates in his [see PM’s Lab Report], this may well be due to slight movement of the LP on the \u2018slippery\u2019, machined surface of the acetal platter [pic, above and p62]. The Model 8\u2019s record weight prevents any movement of the LP on the platter, and makes a big difference to the sound.<\/p>\n

With the weight firmly in place, the result is a turntable that doesn\u2019t miss a thing. There\u2019s a subtle tinge of warmth to the overall sonic balance that\u2019s very appealing, but don\u2019t interpret this as the Model 8 being all warm and fluffy and lacking any substance. Nothing could be further from the truth \u2013 the deck has a crispness and sense of focus that many other models around the price struggle to match.<\/p>\n

Armed and ready<\/strong>
I suspect that a large part of this confident presentation is down to the inclusion of the SME 309 tonearm. The M2-9 employed by the Model 6 is a fine design, but the 309 brings about a step up in quality that is easily heard on the Model 8. This arm has always given a taste of the abilities of the Series V, and its inclusion allows SME\u2019s most affordable deck to consistently punch well above its weight.<\/p>\n

Listening to a track like \u2018Rikki\u2019s Shuffle\u2019 from Michael Hedges\u2019 Live On The Double Planet LP [Windham Hill 37 1066-1] was an ear-opening experience through this SME deck. The interplay between Hedges\u2019 steel-string acoustic and Michael Manring\u2019s fretless bass was easy to appreciate, each guitar pluck crisp and vivid against the more opulent tones of the bass. When Hedges slaps the body of his guitar, its woody, rich resonance was obvious and prominent.<\/p>\n

This is a tonally revealing sound, the Model 8\u2019s ability to \u2018tell it like it is\u2019 ensuring every instrumental detail comes to the fore. The sudden, shimmering impact of the cymbals arriving at the beginning of \u2018You\u2019re Not The Rule (You\u2019re The Exception)\u2019, played by Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward on Helen Watson\u2019s Blue Slipper set [EMI SCX 6710], had me almost jumping in my seat. Yet, barely ten minutes later, I was gently sinking back into the same seat with the languid, resonant trumpet that backs Kari Bremnes on \u2018Ytterste Pol\u2019 [Ly; Strange Ways Records WAY 285].<\/p>\n

Get to work<\/strong>
This was true of anything I chose to put onto the platter (and secure in place with the record weight). Hannah Reid\u2019s vocals on \u2018You And I\u2019 from London Grammar\u2019s The Greatest Love [Ministry of Sound MADART4LPD2C] hung authentically between my loudspeakers. Admittedly, this pressing isn\u2019t one of the British band\u2019s best, being clean and detailed but somewhat two-dimensional in spatial terms. The SME Model 8 turned out to be the ideal foil, though, as its presentation didn\u2019t disguise this aspect of the mix while still making the best of what it had to work with. Forgive the anthropomorphism, but it seemed to be telling me that \u2018no, this isn\u2019t perfect, but there\u2019s still magic to be found in the grooves\u2019.<\/p>\n

Bass to believe in<\/strong>
Speaking of magic, the Model 8 casts a bewitching spell when it comes to the lowest registers. Again, there\u2019s a subtle but endearingly rosy hue to the tonal colour of the bass, but it isn\u2019t long since the direct-drive Technics SL-1300G [HFN Aug \u201925] passed through my listening room and the Model 8 brought it to mind with the precision, control and punch that it confers upon low frequencies.<\/p>\n

The bass drum on The Cinematic Orchestra\u2019s \u2018A Caged Bird\u2019 [To Believe; Ninja Tune ZEN226] thumped with both snappiness and impact. Equally endearing was the way the Model 8 layered the track\u2019s percussive effects as they come in one by one. These can sometimes jumble together, and it can be a while before you realise something else has appeared, but each new arrival here was vivid and striking. Don\u2019t let that \u2018entry level\u2019 status fool you: this deck has aspirations of greatness!<\/p>\n

Hi-Fi News Verdict<\/strong>
The SME Model 8 takes an already impressive entry level design in the Model 6 and significantly uplifts its performance. The plinth developments, the new AC motor drive system developed from the Model 60, and the change of tonearm to the 309 have really given SME\u2019s baby a boost. Easy to set up, this stylish performer offers more than a tantalising taste of the brand\u2019s higher end turntables. SME is on a roll…<\/p>\n

Classics updated<\/strong>
Despite the raft of new models from SME, all with new AC speed controllers [Model 8, pictured below], vinyl fans might be surprised to discover that most of the brand\u2019s \u2018classic\u2019 turntable designs are still available. Only the original Model 6 and Model 10 have been fully laid to rest. On the \u2018Legacy\u2019 side, one can still purchase the Model 15 [HFN Jul \u201924], 20 and 30 decks \u2013 albeit in MK2 guises with the new AC motor set-up derived from the Model 60.<\/p>\n

As standard, these turntables come with the Series Vi tonearm, or with the original Series V if preferred. The Model 12 MK2 [HFN Jan \u201923], also with updated AC motor and Vi tonearm, is retained in the main catalogue while a two-arm variant (the Model 12 MK2 Twin) is offered for those audiophiles who run a pair of cartridges…<\/p>\n

The Model 20\/12 MK2 and 30\/12 MK2 decks have the 12in Series V-12 arm, as the Series VA-12 is currently reserved for the Garrard 301 Advanced [HFN Aug \u201924]. Meanwhile, the only tonearms currently for sale on their own are the M2 and M2-R models, both offered in 9 and 12in effective lengths.<\/p>\n

Measured Specifications<\/strong><\/p>\n

Turntable speed error at 33.33rpm: 33.33rpm (\u20130.013%)
Time to audible stabilisation: 5-6sec
Peak Wow\/Flutter: 0.02% \/ 0.04%
Rumble (silent groove, DIN B wtd): \u201374.0dB (\u201373.8dB with clamp)
Rumble (through bearing, DIN B wtd): \u201369.6dB
Hum & Noise (unwtd, rel. to 5cm\/sec) : \u201362.5dB
Power Consumption: 9W
Dimensions (WHD) \/ Weight: 435×150 x 320mm \/ 12.4kg<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For a company not exactly known for \u2018product churn\u2019, SME has been uncommonly busy with the release of several new turntables, including the flagship Model 60 [HFN Jul \u201922], the Model 35 [HFN Jul \u201925] and now the \u00a39999 Model 8. The latter replaces the Model 6 that, fitted with an SME M2-9 tonearm, marked […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":28491,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1920","footnotes":""},"categories":[335],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28489","post","type-post","status-publish","format-gallery","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-review-divi","post_format-post-format-gallery"],"yoast_head":"\nAccuracy & Musicality in One | hi-finews Review: SME Model 8 Turntable - Richcoln<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.richcoln.com\/zh\/2026\/03\/06\/sme-model8_hi-finews-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"zh_HK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Accuracy & Musicality in One | hi-finews Review: SME Model 8 Turntable - Richcoln\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"For a company not exactly known for \u2018product churn\u2019, SME has been uncommonly busy with the release of several new turntables, including the flagship Model 60 [HFN Jul \u201922], the Model 35 [HFN Jul \u201925] and now the \u00a39999 Model 8. 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