Series V

About the Series V

The SME Series V tonearm features a unique one-piece pressure die-cast magnesium construction that replaces conventional fabricated designs, providing exceptional stiffness and damping to minimize resonances. It incorporates a stainless steel cross shaft carried on massive 10mm ABEC 7 ball races, positioned at record mean level to reduce warp and wow. The tonearm offers dynamic balance with graduated vertical tracking force control from 0 to 3g in 0.125g increments through a resonance-controlled spring. It includes fine adjustments for vertical tracking angle (VTA) and horizontal tracking angle (HTA), with a new alignment protractor for precise setup. The arm has a swiveling damped output socket to minimize vibration transmission and uses ultra-flexible silver litz internal wiring with monocrystal silver audio leads. Its effective mass is 10.0 to 11.0 grams, supporting cartridge weights from 4.2 to 18 grams. The Series V is acclaimed for its startling dynamic range, neutrality, and ability to escape the typical 'LP' sound, delivering clarity and dynamics close to the original performance. It is finished in silver with Oracle branding and includes MCS-150 internal wiring in some versions. The product is highly regarded as one of the world's truly great audio tonearms.