SME Model 15a or Thorens TD550?

[Infiniteloop]

As far as aesthetics goes the SME Model 15a and the Thorens TD550 with Origin Live 12" arm couldn't be further apart. For looks alone I love them both.

Which would you choose?

 

[Al ears]

As far as aesthetics goes the SME Model 15a and the Thorens TD550 with Origin Live 12" arm couldn't be further apart. For looks alone I love them both.

Which would you choose?

The SME, or indeed any of the more expensive Origin Live decks..... ;-)

 

[Frank Harvey]

I always thought the SME decks were a little basic before having seen one in the flesh, set it up, and had a listen. Stunning.

 

[Al ears]

I always thought the SME decks were a little basic before having seen one in the flesh, set it up, and had a listen. Stunning.

Looks are a matter of taste, sound / build quality usually aren't.... ;-)

Would love a Model 15 to go with my 310 tonearm but unfortunately out of my budget at the moment.

 

[nopiano]

I'd choose the SME any day, not least because of its place in audio history, its exquisite engineering, and it is British made.

The Thorens would go well with a Burmester amp; you'd be forever cleaning off the fingerprints!

 

[Al ears]

I'd choose the SME any day, not least because of its place in audio history, its exquisite engineering, and it is British made.

The Thorens would go well with a Burmester amp; you'd be forever cleaning off the fingerprints!

Whilst I would agree it would look stunning in a Burmester set-up it is interesting to note that they don't have their own tonearm to go with it so the Model 15 with a SME 310 would be cheaper, and possibly even with a SME IV.

 

[Infiniteloop]

I always thought the SME decks were a little basic before having seen one in the flesh, set it up, and had a listen. Stunning.

Agreed. The aesthetics are driven by the engineering. Pure and unadulterated, which is why I particularly like the 15. SQ is fabulous too.

 

[Infiniteloop]

I'd choose the SME any day, not least because of its place in audio history, its exquisite engineering, and it is British made.

The Thorens would go well with a Burmester amp; you'd be forever cleaning off the fingerprints!

The Thorens would also go well with my shiny chrome Devialet.

 

[Infiniteloop]

I'd choose the SME any day, not least because of its place in audio history, its exquisite engineering, and it is British made.

The Thorens would go well with a Burmester amp; you'd be forever cleaning off the fingerprints!

Whilst I would agree it would look stunning in a Burmester set-up it is interesting to note that they don't have their own tonearm to go with it so the Model 15 with a SME 310 would be cheaper, and possibly even with a SME IV.

I think the Thorens would look/work well with an Origin Live Conqueror or enterprise arm.

 

[Al ears]

I'd choose the SME any day, not least because of its place in audio history, its exquisite engineering, and it is British made.

The Thorens would go well with a Burmester amp; you'd be forever cleaning off the fingerprints!

Whilst I would agree it would look stunning in a Burmester set-up it is interesting to note that they don't have their own tonearm to go with it so the Model 15 with a SME 310 would be cheaper, and possibly even with a SME IV.

I think the Thorens would look/work well with an Origin Live Conqueror or enterprise arm.

Most decks would...... might make them a tad expensive though.

Ex Illustrious owner....

The Thorens is.... well a Thorens, if you like that sort of thing. It's not a system just a deck. As most suitably desirable players have an integration of some sorts ie cannot say I would plump for the Thorens as it stands, even though I quite like the retro look.

 

[Infiniteloop]

I'd choose the SME any day, not least because of its place in audio history, its exquisite engineering, and it is British made.

The Thorens would go well with a Burmester amp; you'd be forever cleaning off the fingerprints!

Whilst I would agree it would look stunning in a Burmester set-up it is interesting to note that they don't have their own tonearm to go with it so the Model 15 with a SME 310 would be cheaper, and possibly even with a SME IV.

I think the Thorens would look/work well with an Origin Live Conqueror or enterprise arm.

Most decks would...... might make them a tad expensive though.

Ex Illustrious owner....

The Thorens is.... well a Thorens, if you like that sort of thing. It's not a system just a deck. As most suitably desirable players have an integration of some sorts ie cannot say I would plump for the Thorens as it stands, even though I quite like the retro look.

I'm probably in agreement with you. I too like the Retro looks of the Thorens and its materials exude quality and luxury, but in the end I much prefer the purity of engineering and design of the SME.

 

[lindsayt]

I'd only buy and keep either turntable if they ere under £200.

At, or below, their new price I'd get a Pioneer Exclusive P3a.

Or an EMT 950.