Interesting problem. I don't feel the Shure is a natural match for the SME but it should work. The MC1 is a very bright cartridge, maybe you are used to that and the Shure needs some time to acclimate. If you are experienced, and it sounds like you are; then I would suspect either a set-up problem or a stylus problem. Possibly the SRA is off or mis-aligned. Did you use a record to check the setting of the cartridge? I would try that first to make absolutely sure the set-up is accurate. Does the cartridge mis-track on inner grooves at all? Does your pre-amp have an option to change the cartridge loading? That could be an issue. Let us know.