Audio T Verdict
The SME Model 6 is a serious turntable for listeners who value engineering precision, speed stability and controlled vinyl replay. Its compact high-mass chassis, separate electronic speed controller and factory-fitted M2-9 tonearm form a carefully matched platform, designed to retrieve fine detail while preserving the weight, timing and natural character of a recording.
At this level, the cartridge, phono stage and supporting equipment all have an important part to play. The Model 6 can accommodate both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, but none is supplied, allowing the deck to be matched properly to the rest of the system. It also deserves a rigid, level support and careful cartridge installation. An Audio T demonstration gives you the opportunity to compare suitable cartridges and phono stages, discuss system matching and make sure the Model 6 is set up to deliver everything it is capable of.
Designed and manufactured in England, the Model 6 brings SME’s established approach to precision turntable engineering into a more compact and accessible design. It combines carefully manufactured mechanical components with modern resonance-controlling materials, providing a solid foundation for high-quality record playback without requiring the space occupied by some larger SME turntables.
High-Mass Polymer Chassis
The chassis is CNC machined from a specially selected high-density polymer resin. Its combination of mass and resonance absorption helps control unwanted vibration around the platter, bearing and tonearm while keeping the overall footprint relatively compact.
Precision Belt-Drive System
The main bearing, spindle and drive pulleys are manufactured to the close tolerances associated with SME’s larger turntables. A belt-driven platter isolates the record from the motor, helping the deck maintain stable rotation with low mechanical interference.
Separate Electronic Speed Control
A dedicated external control unit powers the motor and provides electronic selection of 33? or 45rpm. Fine pitch adjustment allows each speed to be set accurately, supporting stable musical timing and consistent reproduction across a record collection.
SME M2-9 Tonearm Included
The factory-fitted nine-inch M2-9 is an internally damped stainless-steel tonearm with a detachable magnesium headshell. Its single-element balance system, cartridge alignment adjustment and compatibility with both MM and MC designs make it a flexible partner for a wide range of cartridges.
Designed as a Complete Turntable Platform
Unlike a bare motor unit that requires the customer to choose and install a separate tonearm, the Model 6 arrives with its M2-9 already fitted. This removes one major compatibility question while still allowing the cartridge and phono stage to be chosen around the listener’s system, record collection and preferred presentation.
The detachable headshell makes cartridge installation and future changes more straightforward, while adjustable arm height, azimuth, tracking force and anti-skate allow the cartridge to be correctly aligned. These adjustments are important, as even a high-quality cartridge will not perform properly if its geometry and tracking force are incorrect.
Choosing a Cartridge and Phono Stage
The M2-9 tonearm is suitable for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges weighing between 2 and 12 grams. The right choice will depend on the phono input or separate phono stage being used, as well as the balance and level of performance required from the finished system.
Audio T can help you compare compatible turntable cartridges and phono stages. We can also install and align the chosen cartridge so that tracking force, alignment, arm height and anti-skate are correctly set.
Optional Crystal Cable Package
The Model 6 is also listed with an optional Crystal Cable mono-crystal phono cable developed specifically for this turntable. This cable option must be selected when purchasing the Model 6 and is not supplied with the standard package. Speak to your local Audio T store if you would like to compare the available configurations.
Please Note
A cartridge, phono stage and dust cover are not supplied as standard. The turntable includes its SME M2-9 tonearm, external speed control unit and dedicated record clamp. We recommend confirming the exact package contents and current availability with your local Audio T store before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the SME Model 6 include a cartridge?
No. The M2-9 tonearm is supplied and factory fitted, but the cartridge is selected separately. This allows the turntable to be matched to your preferred MM or MC phono stage and the performance level of the wider system.
Which record speeds does it support?
The Model 6 supports 33? and 45rpm. Speed is selected electronically using the separate control unit, which also provides fine pitch adjustment.
Can it be used with moving magnet and moving coil cartridges?
Yes. The supplied M2-9 tonearm is suitable for both MM and MC cartridges, with a stated cartridge weight range of 2 to 12 grams. The cartridge must also be compatible with the phono stage being used.
Does the Model 6 have a built-in phono stage?
No. It requires a suitable phono input on an amplifier or a separate phono stage. A low-output moving coil cartridge will normally require an MC-compatible phono stage with suitable gain and loading.
Is the SME Model 6 still a current model?
The Model 6 has been superseded in SME’s current range by the Model 8. This listing is specifically for the earlier Model 6 with the M2-9 tonearm, so availability should be confirmed with Audio T.
What should the turntable be placed on?
The Model 6 should be positioned on a rigid, level equipment support, away from loudspeakers and other sources of vibration. Its separate speed control unit also requires suitable shelf space and ventilation.
Why Buy From Audio T?
Audio T has helped customers choose, install and enjoy hi-fi systems since 1966. A turntable of this quality benefits from specialist advice and careful setup, particularly when selecting the cartridge and phono stage that will determine the performance of the complete record-playing system.
- In-store demonstrations and system comparisons
- Expert cartridge, phono-stage and system-matching advice
- Professional cartridge installation and turntable setup
- Home demonstrations and equipment loans where available
- Part-exchange options for existing hi-fi equipment
- Ongoing support from a local specialist store
Ready to hear what the SME Model 6 can do? Find your nearest Audio T store to discuss availability, cartridge options or arrange a demonstration.
Turntable
Product type
Precision belt-drive turntable with factory-fitted tonearm
Speed control
Separate electronic control unit with speed selection and fine pitch adjustment
Motor supply
24V AC motor powered by external control unit
Chassis
CNC-machined high-density polymer resin
Record clamp
Dedicated SME clamp included
Tonearm
Supplied tonearm
Improved SME M2-9, factory fitted
Pivot-to-stylus distance
233.2mm
Spindle-to-arm distance
215.4mm
Tonearm construction
Internally damped stainless-steel arm tube
Headshell
Detachable magnesium headshell with azimuth adjustment
Balance system
Single-element balance system
Cartridge compatibility
Moving magnet and moving coil
Cartridge weight range
2 to 12g
Tonearm adjustments
Vertical tracking force, arm height/VTA, azimuth, horizontal tracking alignment and anti-skate
Connections and Options
Audio outputs
Left and right RCA phono outputs with separate earth connection
Optional cable package
Model-specific Crystal Cable mono-crystal phono cable, selectable at time of purchase
Dimensions and Weight
Turntable dimensions
420 × 320 × 128mm (W × D × H)
Control unit dimensions
220 × 200 × 85mm (W × D × H)
Control unit weight
2.05kg
Power consumption
5W idle, 10W maximum
Country of manufacture
England
Specifications relate to the original SME Model 6 with M2-9 tonearm. This should not be confused with the Model 6 Classic, which uses the J-shaped M2-9R tonearm. Allow additional space around the turntable for cables and normal tonearm operation.