SME First Time in Decades at High End Munich

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 Anjay Shirke. Mr. Shirke, who had previously purchased Spendor Audio Systems and Siltech/Crystal Cables, attended the show along with recently named CEO Stuart McNellis. Mcnellis 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 "Masterpieces by Ellington". Despite the "pod" venue, the sound was among the best I heard at the show.