Acoustic Sounds
By: Tracking Angle

July 11th, 2023

Category:

Industry News

SME M2 Series Tonearms Now Available in the United States and Canada

M2 series returns as separately available tonearms

Buffalo, NY, July 11, 2023 -- Bluebird Music, North American distributor for SME is pleased to announce SME M2 Series tonearms are now available for sale. Previously SME tonearms were only available with SME turntables.

M2 Series tonearms are precision instruments that feature well-tried SME principles and the design and engineering excellence for which SME is renowned worldwide. By providing a superior platform for your favorite phono cartridges M2 tonearms contribute to a more authentic, sparkling and uncolored musical performance. The M2 Series includes four different models: M2-9, M2-9R, M2-12 and M2-12R.

All four M2 tonearms offer meticulous build quality at a reasonable cost and all the most important features including: lightweight stainless steel armtube, detachable headshell with azimuth adjustment, tungsten balance weight, finest quality ball race gimbled bearings and a level of stiffness and rigidity to suit all types of cartridges including those of medium and low compliance.

The M2-9 and M2-12 tonearms utilize a unique single element balance system that accommodates cartridges weighing 5 to 12 grams. After balancing, tracking force is applied by forward movement of the weight ensuring the lowest system inertia. The weight moves on a precision screw thread with backlash eliminator allowing exact setting of vertical tracking force. The precision headshell is pressure die-cast in magnesium for lightness and rigidity. A unique collet clamp design allows for ‘one-piece’ rigidity and azimuth adjustment.

Two “R” version are also offered. In addition to their classic good looks, the M2-9R and M2-12R tonearms deliver all the performance of traditional ‘J’ shaped tonearms and feature detachable aluminum headshells with azimuth adjustment, a two stage tungsten counterbalance system with the tungsten balance weights housed in satin chromed brass sleeves, and vertical and horizontal tracking adjustment. Height is adjusted by thumb wheel enabling the arms to be used with a wide range of both cartridges and turntables. The unique HTA design base mount and standardized headshell collet J-Shaped armtubes make the “R” versions an optimal match for vintage-style SPU phono cartridges.

The 9” M2 Series tonearms are in stock at Bluebird Music and the 12” variations are available by special order.


Pricing and Availability

US retail prices are: M2-9 $3,395;

M2-9R $4,295;

M2-12 $3,695

and M2-12R $4,695.

Comments

  • 2023-07-11 07:11:40 PM

    Jim Shue wrote:

    This is excellent news from SME! Next step, get a USA based Distributor!

  • 2023-07-11 08:02:00 PM

    Zaphod wrote:

    Hopefully this means that the Series V tonearm is not far behind.

    • 2023-07-12 08:42:08 PM

      Anton wrote:

      It will be interesting to see the new price if they do.

  • 2023-07-13 01:16:49 PM

    NLak wrote:

    Wow! Those prices are high, far cry from a few years ago where I got an M2-9 for $800 and a few years later an M2-9r for $1800. Isn’t Bluebird the US distributor? Also, I doubt for now they will offer the IV or V for sale, they usually bundle those with their turntables. Still, better than nothing and hope they change course from that misguided decision from a few years ago.

  • 2023-07-17 12:53:58 PM

    Georges wrote:

    Extremely high prices for such old designs.

    • 2023-07-18 01:48:39 AM

      NLak wrote:

      They're not old designs, but based on old designs, completely rebuild with better bearings and materials, so they are very good. But as I said above, the price is overreach considering how many of us know how reasonably priced and good value they were ten years ago, when they were introduced. Since Ajay Shirke purchased the company, some of its commercial decisions have been very counterproductive I believe for the company.

    • 2023-07-23 12:50:32 AM

      JACK L wrote:

      Hi

      "Extremely high prices for such old designs." qtd Georges

      Really? A used SME 3000R black curved arm is on eBay for USD2,800 just now !!!! Old SME design for sure.

      I happened to own this same model mounted on my direct-drive TT with MC cartridge/factory matched headamp - all made in Japan (not the SME arm of course).

      But so what ? Such expensive setup is serving as my backup as I am NOT that impressed by its sound !

      Listening is believing

      JACK L

  • 2023-07-19 09:05:04 AM

    Jennnifer Martin wrote:

    The GREAT Kat from Upscale Audio is moving to London and going to work for SME>