SME MUSIC AND THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AT UK HIFI SHOW LIVE 2025 AT ASCOT
SME, well known to HiFi enthusiasts for its turntables, is set to unveil a new venture at this year’s UK HiFi Show Live in Ascot, its analogue-only record label, SME Music.
The label’s first release is a 180g vinyl pressing of Sergei Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kijé and other works, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO).
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA LIVE AT ASCOT
To celebrate the launch of SME Music, the RPO will perform a special concert of light classical repertoire at 3pm on Sunday 28th September. This unique performance will take place during the UK HiFi Show Live and marks a rare opportunity to hear one of the UK’s most respected orchestras within the setting of a HiFi event.
TONY FAULKNER AND SME MUSIC
The concert will be produced by Tony Faulkner, a renowned engineer with decades of experience in high-end analogue recording. As the producer of SME Music’s debut album, Faulkner will also be making a live analogue recording of the RPO’s Ascot performance, underscoring SME’s commitment to pure analogue sound.
FREE CONCERT TICKETS FOR VISITORS
Visitors to the UK HiFi Show Live will be able to attend the RPO’s 3pm concert free of charge, though seating is limited. Tickets can be collected from the Cadence/Parade Ring suite (Grandstand, Level 2) after the show opens on Sunday 28th September, and early collection is recommended.
Doors will close at 1 PM for rehearsal and reopen at 2:30 PM. The performance will be recorded direct to tape by engineer Tony Faulkner using Studer machines, with mastering and pressing to follow on the SME Music label.
The appearance of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the UK HiFi Show Live highlights a remarkable collaboration between live performance and the HiFi world. With SME Music’s analogue-first philosophy, the event is set to offer visitors a rare blend of musical artistry and recording expertise.
SME AND CADENCE DISTRIBUTION AT ASCOT
Together with Cadence, SME will be exhibiting in the Parade Ring, Level 2 Room, where a full programme of demonstrations will take place.
Visitors will be able to hear SME turntables integrated into carefully matched systems:
SME Model 8 with Spendor Classic loudspeakers and Yamaha electronics
SME Model 35 with the world premiere of the Sphinx Element 3 loudspeakers
SME Model 60 alongside the Garrard 301 Advanced Turntable, paired with Siltech Symphony loudspeakers, the Nagra HD Phonostage, and the Siltech Saga System
Loricraft Record Cleaners will be available for complimentary vinyl cleaning. Bring your own records and have them restored to peak condition, ready for your next listening session.
HiFi PiG’s Oscar and Kelly will be reporting from the show, bringing insights and photos from all the exhibitors.
UK HiFi SHOW LIVE 2025 INFO
Ascot Racecourse Grandstand, High St, Ascot SL5 7JX, UK
Sept 27th-28th 2025
9:30am – 5:30pm Saturday
9:30am – 5:00pm Sunday
TICKETS
Online tickets available. £22.38 day tickets, £33.22 weekend tickets. If you wish to pay on the day, £25 single day tickets will be available at the Ascot Ticket Office East on both Sat September 27th and Sun September 28th 2025.
