SME Model 30/12 Mk2 with Series V-12 Tonearm

SME Model 30/12 Mk2 with Series V-12 Tonearm

The SME Model 30/12 Mk2 is a reference-level precision turntable designed around exceptional mass, rigidity, vibration control and rotational accuracy. It combines a CNC-machined aluminium chassis and suspended sub-chassis with advanced fluid damping, a precision main bearing and a large 330 mm platter. This configuration is supplied with the flagship SME Series V-12 tonearm, making it a complete high-end analogue playback platform.

Key Features

• SME Model 30/12 Mk2 precision turntable.
• SME Series V-12 12-inch precision tonearm.
• Heavy-mass CNC-machined aluminium chassis and sub-chassis.
• Suspended sub-chassis with 60 purpose-made suspension rings.
• Four-column fluid damping system.
• Precision close-tolerance main bearing.
• 7.5 kg precision-machined aluminium platter.
• 330 mm platter diameter.
• Iso-damped and diamond-turned platter surface.
• Custom bi-phase AC synchronous motor.
• Dedicated DSP-based Speed Control Unit.
• 33⅓ and 45 RPM operation.
• Independent speed memory settings.
• Fine speed adjustment in ±0.01% increments.
• Crystal Cable internal tonearm wiring.
• Four fully adjustable mechanically de-coupled feet.
• Separate external mains Power Unit.
• RCA or XLR chassis connectors.
• Reflex-principle screw-down record clamp.

Heavy-Mass Precision Construction

The Model 30/12 Mk2 is built from premium-grade aluminium billet using precision CNC machining. The main chassis and sub-chassis are designed to resist low-frequency flexing, while extensional damping helps attenuate high-frequency resonance. The larger 30/12 platform provides additional mass and rigidity compared with the standard Model 30.

Suspension & Fluid Damping

The suspended sub-chassis carries the main bearing, platter and tonearm while isolating them from the main chassis. It is supported by 60 purpose-made suspension rings. Four suspension-column fluid dampers control sub-chassis movement and help prevent unwanted overshoot and resonance.

Precision Platter & Main Bearing

The Model 30/12 Mk2 uses a substantial 330 mm precision-machined aluminium platter weighing 7.5 kg. The platter is extensionally damped and incorporates an Iso-Damp surface with a diamond-turned finish. The main spindle is precision-machined from high-chrome tool steel and runs in a sealed bearing housing with individually fitted sintered-bronze bearings.

SME Series V-12 Tonearm

The supplied SME Series V-12 is the dedicated 12-inch tonearm for the Model 30/12 platform. Its longer effective geometry is designed to reduce angular tracking error compared with shorter tonearms. The tonearm is factory integrated with premium Crystal Cable internal wiring.

Advanced Drive System

The turntable uses a custom bi-phase AC synchronous motor controlled by a dedicated Speed Control Unit. The motor is designed for quiet operation and precise rotational stability.

Speed Control Unit

The dedicated Speed Control Unit uses a DSP engine to generate two independent mathematical sine waves controlling the motor's frequency, phase relationship and amplitude. Independent memory settings are available for 33⅓ and 45 RPM.

Separate Power Unit

The mains transformer is housed in a separate external Power Unit. This keeps the transformer physically separated from the Speed Control Unit and, importantly, away from the turntable's sensitive audio signal cables.

Connectivity

The Model 30/12 Mk2 provides flexible analogue connectivity for integration with a suitable external phono stage and amplification system.

Dimensions & Weight

Included Configuration

• SME Model 30/12 Mk2 Turntable
• SME Series V-12 Tonearm
• 7.5 kg Precision-Machined Aluminium Platter
• Reflex-Principle Screw-Down Record Clamp
• Crystal Cable Internal Tonearm Wiring
• Dedicated Speed Control Unit
• Separate External Power Unit
• Four Adjustable Mechanically De-Coupled Feet