The SME Model 35 Mk2 is a precision-engineered high-end turntable designed to deliver exceptional stability, resonance control and musical accuracy. Its three-column chassis architecture, advanced suspension system, hydraulic main-bearing damping and sophisticated electronic speed control are combined with the factory-fitted SME Series Vᵢ tonearm.
The Model 35 uses a sophisticated three-column chassis design derived from the engineering principles of SME's flagship Model 60. The structure is designed to provide a rigid, stable platform while the mechanically de-coupled feet provide multi-point isolation from external vibration.
| Chassis Design | Three-Column Architecture |
|---|---|
| Construction | Precision-Engineered High-Mass Design |
| Isolation | Multi-Point Mechanical Decoupling |
| Feet | Mechanically De-Coupled Isolation Feet |
The Model 35 incorporates an advanced suspension system with independent control of vertical and horizontal movement. The arrangement is designed to maintain accurate platter and tonearm geometry while controlling unwanted mechanical energy.
| Suspension | Advanced Suspended System |
|---|---|
| Movement Control | Vertical and Horizontal |
| Isolation | Multi-Point |
The main bearing incorporates an innovative hydraulic damping system designed to control unwanted bearing-related vibration while maintaining smooth and stable platter rotation.
| Main Bearing | Precision Hydraulic-Damped Bearing |
|---|---|
| Damping Method | Hydraulic |
| Purpose | Control of Bearing-Related Resonance |
The Model 35's platter is acoustically optimised as part of the overall turntable structure. Its construction is designed to provide a stable platform for the record while working together with the suspended sub-chassis and precision bearing system.
| Platter Diameter | Approx. 330 mm / 33 cm |
|---|---|
| Design | Acoustically Optimised |
| Mounting | Suspended Sub-Chassis |
The Series Vᵢ is the improved-generation SME reference tonearm supplied with the Model 35. Its tonearm tube is CNC precision-machined as a single piece from a high-density polymer resin selected for its high rigidity and acoustically inert characteristics. The circular-section tube is designed to provide a very low resonance signature.
| Tonearm | SME Series Vᵢ |
|---|---|
| Tonearm Material | High-Density Polymer Resin |
| Construction | CNC Precision-Machined One-Piece Tube |
| Tube Profile | Circular Cross-Section |
| Internal Wiring | Crystal Cable |
| Design Objective | Low Mechanical Resonance |
The Model 35 employs an electronically controlled AC motor system developed using technology derived from the SME Model 60. The dedicated Speed Control Unit provides precise management of platter speed, with independent settings for the two supported playback speeds.
| Drive System | Belt Drive |
|---|---|
| Motor | AC Synchronous Motor |
| Speed Control | Electronic / DSP-Based |
| Playback Speeds | 33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Speed Memory | Independent Settings |
| Fine Adjustment | ±0.01% |
The mains transformer is housed in a separate external Power Unit rather than within the turntable itself. This arrangement keeps the transformer physically separated from the turntable and sensitive audio signal path.
| Power Supply | Separate External Power Unit |
|---|---|
| Transformer | Externally Located |
| Signal Isolation | Transformer Separated from Audio Signal Path |
The factory-fitted Series Vᵢ tonearm is permanently wired to the turntable's RCA phono output sockets. The Model 35 is therefore designed to connect directly to a suitable external phono stage or amplifier with a compatible phono input.
| Output | RCA Phono |
|---|---|
| Tonearm Connection | Factory Wired |
| Phono Stage | External Phono Stage Required |
| Turntable Weight | 36 kg |
|---|---|
| Power Unit Weight | Separate Unit |
| Speed Control Unit | Separate Unit |
| Configuration | Turntable with Factory-Fitted Series Vᵢ Tonearm |