SME 30 compared to current favorites

When I got my SME 30, I lost interest in other turntables. I have heard a few of the top contenders. I don't want to get into battles with zealots or manufacturer's representatives, so I won't mention names, but the SME 30 is not wanting compared to the ones I have heard and is substantially better in many ways, particularly the subtle rendition of lower midrange and bass, something I don't think any digital medium will ever be able to emulate.
My own requirements were for a relatively compact, utterly reliable and carefree mechanical table of the highest quality without anything that sucked, blew, levitated or used magic UFO metal. The suspension is tuned below 3HZ and is quite effective. The SME 30 is pretty easy to place and doesn't take up a pile of room. I have no interest in multiple arms, but if you do, the SME 30 is probably not the table for you. I have no desire to change to anything else. The SME 30 also gives the impression of being highly refined, in that it seems to be a turntable that somebody listened to extensively and tuned meticulously, more so than even the 10 or 20.
Tonearm choices are not limited to SME and the SME 30 is a fantastic match with the Grandezza tonearm. The Graham arms are also an option. The Grandezza tonearm is much superior to the SME IV-VI that I had previously, so much so it was as great an upgrade as the upgrade from the SME 20 to the SME 30 turntable itself when equipped with the SME IV-VI.

I don't want to get into battles with zealots or manufacturer's representatives...

Aha, I always wondered ..... :)
Your thinking is right, I agree, there is much worse out there. It is clever made, has some very useful features and when you use an Arm with it like you do: Top.

Very expensive compared to cost in England. Importer jacks the price up way past what it should be. If you go to England try and buy it there and get the VAT removed. Great table. A much less expensive alternative would be a SOTA Cosmos with an SME V arm. Also an old design but very cost effective and great isolation from feedback.

Hi Peter, I went from a SME 20/2 IV.Vi arm to a Grand Prix Monaco with Triplanar VII uii arm.

First, I had my SME for years and really loved that table. There is a "rightness" to it's sound that I don't think can be bettered, except by a 30/2 or 30/12.

The Grand Prix/Tri combo over the SME 20/2 SME IV.Vi is better in the PRat, dynamics, more quiet, and images better. I don't know how much is the arm vs the table.

When it comes to a SME 30/2, you more likely getting different than a lot better.

I am very happy with my Grand Prix, If I hit the jackpot, I'd like to have a SME again as a 2nd table.

The SME 30 - as a table alone - is very good, as it addresses the issue of micro-vibration extremely well.
Its a well built machine and - Ruxtonvet already mentioned - much more attractive in price when bought in the country of its birth. Mated with a Graham Phantom this TT will stand its ground against any competitor on the market today or yesterday. Its not the best in all sonic aspects, but it certainly is a member of the top group of 8-10 TT's regardless of price.
I am certainly not a fan of the SME 30, but I have to give credits to several quite clever design details which do contribute nicely to its overall controlled, precise and colorful sound.
Jfrech's last sentence should tell us all a lot more than the mere words......