SME traces its precision-engineering business to 1946, originally making scale models and parts. It now manufactures audio equipment in West Sussex using both modern processes and traditional workmanship. The mechanical precision of its turntables and arms addresses the small movements involved in reading a record groove.
Bar Shiru lists SME in its source / playback setup. The equipment details below reflect the venue record.
Turntables: SME20 with Series iv vi arm; SuperScoutmaster with JMW Memorial arm (SME / VPI)
Inside the system
Bar Shiru combines Line Magnetic 812-LM Altec Iconic horns, DeVore O93 Orangutans and three pairs of Dynaudio X18 speakers. Amplification includes Line Magnetic 805-IA and 34-IA valve integrateds plus three Parasound Halo A23+ amplifiers. The inventory spans several speaker and amplifier types; individual channel assignments are not specified.
The vinyl front end includes an SME20 and a VPI SuperScoutmaster with JMW arm, Ortofon 2M Black cartridges, Line Magnetic LP-33 phono stages and a custom Isonoe ISO420 rotary mixer. The combination gives record playback a substantial dedicated signal chain before it reaches the room’s multiple speaker positions.
SME equipment is recorded in this venue’s system. This does not imply that the manufacturer designed or installed the system.
Tonearms: 3012
Inside the system
The reported opening system pairs vintage Electro-Voice Georgian 400 and Altec Model 19 loudspeakers with Garrard and Thorens turntables. Dynavector and Pass Labs electronics join tonearms from Dynavector, SME and Sorane. The component list below comes from the pre-opening equipment announcement; the final installed combination has not been independently reconfirmed.
SME equipment is recorded in this venue’s system. This does not imply that the manufacturer designed or installed the system.
Turntables: 20/2
Tonearms: Series V
Inside the system
Tannoy Westminster speakers and Prestige GR supertweeters are supported by two KEF KC92 subwoofers. The inventory includes McIntosh valve and solid-state electronics, plus ML1 Mk II speakers. Vinyl playback uses an SME 20/2, Series V arm and Ortofon Cadenza Bronze. Westminster revision and routing between components are unspecified.
