Munich 2017

SME made its first High End show appearance in 27 years. The company, founded in 1946 by the late Alistair Robertson-Aikman who passed away in 2006 was sold in 2016 to Cadence Group headed by Indian industrialist Ajay Shirke.

Mr. Shirke, who had previously purchased Spendor Audio Systems and is a shareholder in Siltech/Crystal Cables, attended the show along with recently named CEO Stuart McNellis. McNeilis comes from the aerospace industry, while Shirke is an audiophile more invested in saving and enhancing rather than exploiting legendary brands.

In the listening booth was a system consisting of YG Acoustics speakers, Nagra electronics and of course an SME 30/12 turntable fitted with an Ortofon A95.

I sat down with Mr. Shirke and we listened to a test pressing of the Analogue Productions reissue of Duke Ellington's musical and sonic spectacular Ellington Masterpieces. Despite the "pod" venue, the sound was among the best I heard at the show. Mr. McNellis is busy awakening the sleeping SME giant and while the first breaths of new life consist of color and chrome enhancements to long-existing designs plus some new accessories and a "one off" turntable stand also exhibited in the pod, SME fans can expect much more that's new in the upcoming year or two.