The SME Model 30 Mk2 Diamond is an exclusive high-end precision turntable developed from SME's acclaimed Model 30 platform. The Diamond Series combines SME's heavy-mass engineering, precision-machined aluminium construction and advanced suspension system with a distinctive diamond-machined finish and hand-finished detailing. This configuration is supplied with the SME Series Vᵢ tonearm with Crystal Cable internal wiring.
The Diamond Series Model 30 is precision machine-finished to highlight the sharp lines and distinctive profile of the Model 30 platform. Hand-finished detailing and contrasting black-chrome elements provide the exclusive Diamond Series appearance while retaining the underlying mechanical design of the Model 30.
The Model 30 Mk2 uses a heavy-mass chassis and sub-chassis manufactured from premium-grade aluminium billet using CNC machining. The construction is designed to resist low-frequency flexing, while extensional acoustic treatment helps attenuate unwanted high-frequency resonance.
| Construction | Heavy-Mass Precision Construction |
|---|---|
| Chassis Material | CNC-Machined Premium-Grade Aluminium Billet |
| Sub-Chassis | Precision-Machined Aluminium |
| Acoustic Treatment | Extensional Damping |
The suspended sub-chassis houses the main bearing, platter and tonearm while providing isolation from the main chassis. SME's suspension system uses 60 purpose-made suspension rings, while four fluid dampers within the suspension columns control sub-chassis movement and resonance.
| Suspension | Suspended Sub-Chassis |
|---|---|
| Suspension Rings | 60 Purpose-Made Rings |
| Fluid Damping | 4 Suspension-Column Fluid Dampers |
| Isolation Feet | 4 Fully Adjustable Mechanically De-Coupled Feet |
The Model 30 Mk2 Diamond uses a precision-machined aluminium alloy platter weighing 7.5 kg. Its Iso-Damp upper surface is diamond-turned with a fine scroll designed to provide a controlled interface with the underside of the record. The main spindle is precision-machined from high-chrome tool steel and supported in a sealed bearing housing.
| Platter Material | Machined Aluminium Alloy |
|---|---|
| Platter Diameter | 330 mm / 33 cm |
| Platter Weight | 7.5 kg |
| Platter Surface | Iso-Damp / Diamond-Turned |
| Spindle Diameter | 19 mm |
| Spindle Material | High-Chrome Tool Steel |
| Bearing Housing | Sealed |
| Bearing | Individually Fitted Sintered Bronze Bearings |
| Record Clamp | Reflex-Principle Screw-Down Clamp |
The supplied SME Series Vᵢ tonearm provides the precision cartridge positioning and controlled groove tracking expected from SME's reference tonearm platform. The tonearm is supplied with premium Crystal Cable internal wiring for the analogue signal path.
| Tonearm | SME Series Vᵢ |
|---|---|
| Type | Precision Gimbal-Bearing Tonearm |
| Construction | High-Density Polymer Resin |
| Internal Wiring | Crystal Cable |
The turntable is driven by a custom-made bi-phase AC synchronous motor controlled by a dedicated electronic Speed Control Unit. The motor system is designed for accurate and stable platter rotation with very low mechanical noise.
| 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 Speed Adjustment | ±0.01% of Selected Speed |
The dedicated Speed Control Unit uses a DSP engine to generate two independent precision sine waves controlling the motor's frequency, phase relationship and amplitude. Independent memory settings are provided for 33⅓ and 45 RPM, with fine adjustment available through the rotary control.
| Control System | Dedicated DSP Engine |
|---|---|
| Speed Selection | 33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Speed Memory | Independent Settings |
| Fine Adjustment | ±0.01% |
| Control | Switched Encoder / Rotary Control |
An independent external Power Unit houses the mains transformer separately from the Speed Control Unit and turntable. This keeps the transformer away from the sensitive analogue signal cables.
| Power Supply | Separate External Power Unit |
|---|---|
| Transformer | Externally Located |
| Isolation | Separated from Audio Signal Cables |
The Model 30 Mk2 Diamond is designed for connection to an external phono stage and amplification system. Chassis-mounted RCA or XLR connectors provide flexible analogue system integration.
| Chassis Connectors | RCA / XLR |
|---|---|
| Phono Stage | External Required |
| Tonearm Internal Wiring | Crystal Cable |
| Turntable Width | 450 mm / 45 cm |
|---|---|
| Turntable Depth | 350 mm / 35 cm |
| Turntable Height | 220 mm / 22 cm |
| Platter Diameter | 330 mm / 33 cm |
| Turntable Weight | 42 kg |
| Speed Control Unit Weight | 2.52 kg |
| Power Unit Weight | 4.04 kg |
| Shipping Weight | 56 kg |