The SME Model 12 Mk2 Diamond Series is an exclusive high-end precision turntable created to celebrate SME's engineering heritage and craftsmanship. Based on the advanced Model 12 Mk2 platform, it combines a high-mass CNC-machined aluminium chassis and sub-chassis with an isolated suspension system, precision bearing, advanced AC drive system and the acclaimed SME Series Vᵢ tonearm. The Diamond Series adds a distinctive precision-machined finish with contrasting black-chrome detailing and comes equipped with premium Crystal Cable internal wiring.
The Diamond Series Model 12 is precision machine-finished to emphasise the clean lines and detailed geometry of the turntable. Contrasting black-chrome elements complement the distinctive Diamond Series appearance, while the underlying Model 12 Mk2 construction provides the same rigid and mechanically controlled foundation.
| Chassis Construction | CNC-Machined Aluminium Billet |
|---|---|
| Sub-Chassis | CNC-Machined Aluminium |
| Finish | Diamond Series Precision-Machined Finish |
| Detailing | Contrasting Black-Chrome Detailing |
| Suspension | Isolated / Mechanically Controlled |
The Model 12 Mk2 uses a precision-machined main spindle manufactured from high-chrome tool steel. It is ground and super-finished before being supported within a sealed bearing housing using individually fitted sintered-bronze bearings. The substantial aluminium platter weighs more than 4.6 kg and features an iso-damped, diamond-turned upper surface for controlled record contact.
| Main Spindle | 19 mm High-Chrome Tool Steel |
|---|---|
| Bearing Housing | Sealed |
| Bearing Material | Sintered Bronze |
| Platter Material | Machined Aluminium Alloy |
| Platter Weight | Over 4.6 kg |
| Platter Diameter | 304 mm |
| Platter Surface | Iso-Damped / Diamond-Turned |
| Record Clamp | Reflex-Type Screw-Down Clamp |
The Model 12 Mk2 Diamond Series is supplied with the highly acclaimed SME Series Vᵢ tonearm. The tonearm is engineered for precise cartridge positioning and stable tracking, while its integrated high-quality internal wiring provides a direct analogue signal path from the cartridge to the phono connection.
| Tonearm | SME Series Vᵢ |
|---|---|
| Tonearm Type | Precision Gimbal-Bearing Tonearm |
| Internal Wiring | Crystal Cable |
| Cartridge Adjustment | Precision Alignment Controls |
The Model 12 Mk2 uses a custom-made bi-phase AC synchronous motor controlled by an advanced electronic speed-control system. The controller generates two independent precision sine waves, controlling frequency, phase relationship and amplitude to provide accurate motor operation.
| Drive Method | Belt Drive |
|---|---|
| Motor Type | Bi-Phase AC Synchronous Motor |
| Motor Control | DSP-Based Electronic Speed Control |
| Playback Speeds | 33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Speed Memory | Independent Settings |
| Fine Adjustment | ±0.01% Increments |
The sub-chassis is suspended using an advanced isolation system designed to control primary resonance. Four fully adjustable feet are mechanically de-coupled from the main chassis through isolators, providing a stable and controlled interface with the supporting surface.
| Sub-Chassis Isolation | Advanced Isolated Suspension |
|---|---|
| Feet | 4 Fully Adjustable Feet |
| Foot Coupling | Mechanically De-Coupled |
| Base Resonance Control | Integrated Isolators |
The Model 12 Mk2 Diamond Series incorporates premium-grade Crystal Cable internal wiring. The cable uses pure mono-crystal silver conductors in miniature form and is installed within the tonearm to maintain a high-quality signal path from the cartridge.
| Internal Signal Wiring | Crystal Cable |
|---|---|
| Conductor | Pure Mono-Crystal Silver |
| Connection Type | Analogue Phono Connection |
The dedicated Speed Control Unit is CNC machined from billet aluminium and provides independent speed settings for 33⅓ and 45 RPM. A rotary control allows precise fine-pitch adjustment in increments of ±0.01% of the selected speed.
| Construction | CNC-Machined Billet Aluminium |
|---|---|
| Speed Selection | 33⅓ / 45 RPM |
| Fine Pitch Adjustment | ±0.01% Increments |
| Control | Switched Encoder / Rotary Control |
A separate mains Power Unit keeps the main transformer away from the Speed Control Unit and, importantly, separated from the turntable's audio signal cables. This arrangement helps maintain a clean physical layout between the power supply and analogue signal path.
| Power Unit | Separate External Unit |
|---|---|
| Transformer Location | Separated from Speed Control Unit |
| Connection | Dedicated Power Cable |
| Turntable Width | 370 mm / 37 cm |
|---|---|
| Turntable Depth | 350 mm / 35 cm |
| Turntable Height | 178 mm / 17.8 cm |
| Platter Diameter | 304 mm / 30.4 cm |
| Spindle-to-Arm Distance | 215.35 mm |
| Speed Control Unit | 170 × 305 × 68 mm |
| Power Unit | 190 × 243 × 83 mm |
| Turntable Weight | 21.26 kg |
| Power Unit Weight | 4.04 kg |
| Speed Control Unit Weight | 2.88 kg |
| Shipping Weight | 33 kg |