SME Model 20 Mk2 with Series Vᵢ Tonearm

SME Model 20 Mk2 with Series Vᵢ Tonearm

The SME Model 20 Mk2 is a high-mass precision turntable engineered for exceptional stability, resonance control and accurate vinyl playback. This configuration combines the Model 20 Mk2 platform with the acclaimed SME Series Vᵢ tonearm, creating a highly refined analogue front end built around precision-machined aluminium construction, suspended isolation, fluid damping and advanced electronic speed control.

Key Features

• SME Model 20 Mk2 precision turntable.
• SME Series Vᵢ precision tonearm.
• High-density CNC-machined aluminium chassis and sub-chassis.
• 16 mm main and sub-chassis plates.
• Suspended suspension system using 40 purpose-made suspension rings.
• Central fluid-damping system for controlled sub-chassis movement.
• Precision close-tolerance main bearing.
• 6.5 kg precision-machined aluminium platter.
• Iso-Damp and diamond-turned platter surface.
• Custom bi-phase AC synchronous motor.
• DSP-controlled electronic speed regulation.
• 33⅓ and 45 RPM playback.
• Fine speed adjustment in ±0.01% increments.
• Crystal Cable internal tonearm wiring.
• Four fully adjustable mechanically de-coupled feet.
• Independent external mains Power Unit.
• Separate Speed Control Unit.
• Reflex-principle screw-down record clamp.

High-Density Chassis Construction

The Model 20 Mk2 uses a split-level chassis machined from premium-grade aluminium billet. The substantial construction is designed to resist flexing while advanced extensional damping helps control high-frequency resonance. The upper sub-chassis carries the main bearing, platter and tonearm and is mechanically isolated from the lower structure.

Suspended & Fluid-Damped Sub-Chassis

The Model 20 Mk2 uses SME's suspended suspension system to isolate the record-playing platform from external mechanical energy. The sub-chassis is supported by 40 purpose-made suspension rings and incorporates a large central fluid damper to control movement and resonance.

Precision Main Bearing & Platter

The main spindle is precision machined from high-chrome tool steel and supported in a sealed bearing housing using individually fitted sintered-bronze bearings. The substantial aluminium platter weighs 6.5 kg and incorporates Iso-Damp treatment and a diamond-turned upper surface for a controlled record interface.

SME Series Vᵢ Tonearm

The SME Series Vᵢ tonearm is supplied as the dedicated tonearm configuration for the Model 20 Mk2. It uses SME's precision-engineered magnesium arm construction and is designed to provide accurate cartridge alignment, controlled mechanical behaviour and stable groove tracking. The tonearm is internally wired with premium Crystal Cable.

Advanced Drive System

The Model 20 Mk2 is driven by a custom bi-phase AC synchronous motor controlled by a dedicated Speed Control Unit. The system is designed to provide accurate, stable and exceptionally quiet platter rotation.

Speed Control Unit

The separate Speed Control Unit uses a dedicated 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.

Independent Power Unit

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

Signal Connectivity

The Model 20 Mk2 provides flexible chassis connectivity for integration with a suitable phono-stage and amplifier system. The tonearm uses Crystal Cable internal wiring for the analogue signal path.

Dimensions & Weight

Included Configuration

• SME Model 20 Mk2 Turntable
• SME Series Vᵢ Tonearm
• 6.5 kg Precision-Machined Aluminium Platter
• Reflex-Principle Screw-Down Record Clamp
• Crystal Cable Internal Tonearm Wiring
• Dedicated Speed Control Unit
• Independent External Power Unit
• Four Adjustable Mechanically De-Coupled Feet