SME Model 20/2 Turntable

Now discontinued/unavailable.

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£4940.00

or £164.67/month on 0% Finance (24 months) after an initial 20% deposit

Model

Without Tonearm  Inc SME V Tonearm  (+£2330.00)

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This finely engineered precision turntable offers a new listening experience from your treasured vinyl and 78's - available as 20/2 (without tonearm) or the 20/2a (with matching SME V). Massive construction, extensional damping of major surfaces and lack of vibration from moving parts ensure tightly controlled detailed sound and stable stereo imaging. Essentially a smaller Model 30/2, offering a sonic performance as close as possible to its bigger brother at a lower price point. 

Solid Construction

In an electro-mechanical record replay system a major problem is extraneous vibration. This will come from numerous sources including air and structure borne vibrations from loudspeakers, vibrations caused by groove modulation and those set up by stray electrical fields and mechanical imperfections in the turntable's moving parts. Addressing these problems two simple but important facts influence design. The higher the mass and stiffness of a body the less it will flex and vibrate; the duration of a vibration can be shortened by suitable damping.

The Model 20/2 weighs approximately 18,2kg and this is especially significant in relation to its size because in meeting the requirements of mass and stiffness it is density that matters, a point that is often overlooked , because sheer size can be impressive!

The sub-chassis measures only 420mm by 320mm but weighs 6,8kg. Its depth, 9,5mm resists flexing at low frequencies and its high frequency resonance is attenuated by efficient extensional damping. The method of suspending the sub-chassis is particularly important. In conventional turntables metal springs often contribute significantly to colouration. Sometimes even their size and nature can be identified by experienced ear!

Precision Engineering

The Model 20/2's suspension has no sonic footprint. It suspends the sub-chassis on 32 purpose moulded 'O'-rings. The method of anchorage allows the rings to be removed or replaced in a matter of moments. Vertical and lateral movements of the suspension are controlled by a large fluid damper.

Sub-chassis decoupling is sufficient to prevent acoustic feedback. Beyond this a degree of coupling is considered necessary, allowing unwanted acoustic energy to be drained away, being partly converted into heat as it passes through the damping fluid before final dissipation in the mass of the base and its supporting structure.

When playing a record two sets of mirror image audio vibrations are reacted, one in the arm and the other in the platter and both will pass into the sub-chassis in the course of dissipation. The usual 'closed loop' construction does not address the problem of their differing phase however so in the Model 20/2 the interfaces of the mounting plinth and bearing assembly with the sub-chassis have received special attention to provide individual paths of the required impedance.

The design aims of the Model 20/2 can be summarised as elimination of extraneous vibration effects. Orderly control of unwanted signal vibrations. Pitch stability. Freedom from radiated fields. Freedom from critical adjustments and setting up procedures. Long term dependability. An all embracing list? Certainly one to which careful attention should remedy most turntable ills!

Features

- Sub-chassis suspended on 64 strands of rubber (32 purpose moulded 'O' rings).
- Trimming screws for suspension adjustment.
- Central fluid damper controls sub-chassis motion and offers ground-path.
- Two screws lock down the sub~chassis and seal the damper for transport.
- 19mm diameter main spindle machined from high/chrome steel hardened.
- Screw down record clamping system minimises record resonance.
- 4,6kg machined platter with unique lsodamp face.
- Generous use of extensional damping and resistive loop construction ensure sonic neutrality.
- Adjustable ball feet with optional compliant inserts.
- 4 jacking screws built into sub-platter allows thrust bearing to be off loaded for transit.
- Electronically commutated 3-phase, high-torque motor, virtually eliminates cogging.
- Large diameter strobe disc supplied allows precise adjustment of standard speeds.
- Speed range (rpm): 33 1/3 = 27/40, 45 = 40/50 and 78 = 60/100.
- Fully shielded in-line control unit. LEDs indicate the main functions.
- Power consumption - 9 watts.

Specifications

- Dimensions: 420 x 320 x 155mm.
- Packing: Substantial case.
- Net weight with power supply: 18,2kg
- Shipping weight approximately: 25,0kg

We are authorised SME retailers. Brand new and complete with the full SME warranty.

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