SME Model 8 Turntable with Series 309 Tonearm
The SME Model 8 is a precision-engineered belt-drive turntable designed to deliver exceptional rotational stability, resonance control and accurate vinyl tracking. It features a high-density CNC-machined polymer-resin chassis, a new-generation AC motor drive system derived from SME's Model 60 technology, an electronically controlled platter speed system and the renowned SME Series 309 tonearm. The complete package is supplied with internal Crystal Cable wiring and high-quality WBT RCA connections.
Key Features
- Precision SME Model 8 turntable.
- SME Series 309 magnesium tonearm included.
- CNC-machined high-density polymer-resin chassis.
- High-mass construction for improved stability and resonance control.
- AC motor drive system derived from SME Model 60 technology.
- Electronic speed control with fine pitch adjustment.
- Precision-machined acetal platter.
- Adjustable isolation feet for accurate levelling.
- Refined tonearm mounting board for vibration control.
- Detachable SME 309 magnesium headshell.
- Azimuth adjustment on the tonearm headshell.
- Tungsten tonearm balance weight.
- Crystal Cable internal tonearm wiring.
- Gold-plated WBT RCA output sockets.
- Supplied record weight / clamp.
- Available in Black, White and Midnight Blue finishes.
AC Motor & Drive System
The Model 8 employs a custom AC motor drive system developed using technology derived from SME's flagship Model 60. The motor uses twin coils driven by two precision sine waves generated by a dedicated electronic control system. This arrangement provides accurate and stable platter rotation while allowing the user to fine-tune playback speed.
| Drive Method |
Belt Drive |
| Motor Type |
AC Motor |
| Motor Technology |
Twin-Coil AC Motor |
| Speed Control |
Electronic / DSP-Based |
| Nominal Speeds |
33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Speed Adjustment |
Fine Electronic Pitch Adjustment |
Acetal Platter
The Model 8 uses a precisely machined black acetal platter supported by a precision sub-platter and main bearing. The platter is designed to provide a stable rotational platform while its machined surface works together with the supplied record weight to maintain secure record contact during playback.
| Platter Material |
Black Acetal |
| Platter Weight |
Approximately 1.85 kg |
| Drive |
Close-Coupled Belt Drive |
| Record Interface |
Machined Platter Surface |
| Record Weight |
Supplied |
SME Series 309 Tonearm
The Model 8 is equipped with the SME Series 309 tonearm, a precision magnesium tonearm designed to provide accurate cartridge alignment and controlled tracking. Its detachable magnesium headshell allows convenient cartridge changes, while azimuth adjustment enables precise cartridge alignment. The arm uses high-quality ball-race bearings and a tungsten balance weight.
| Tonearm |
SME Series 309 |
| Tonearm Material |
Magnesium Alloy |
| Effective Mass |
9.5 g |
| Cartridge Balance Range |
6–17 g |
| Vertical Tracking Force |
0–2.5 g |
| Headshell |
Detachable Magnesium |
| Headshell Adjustment |
Azimuth Adjustable |
| Balance Weight |
Tungsten |
| Internal Wiring |
Crystal Cable |
High-Density Polymer-Resin Chassis
The Model 8's chassis is CNC machined from a high-density polymer-resin material. The substantial construction is designed to provide a rigid, high-mass platform with effective resonance absorption. The chassis incorporates refined mounting areas for the tonearm and drive components to minimise unwanted mechanical interaction.
| Chassis Material |
CNC-Machined High-Density Polymer Resin |
| Construction |
High-Mass / Rigid |
| Resonance Control |
High Absorption Polymer Construction |
| Tonearm Mounting |
Refined Isolated Mounting Board |
Isolation & Levelling
Four adjustable isolation feet provide accurate levelling and help control external vibration. The machined aluminium finishers complement the high-density chassis and allow the turntable to be positioned securely on a suitable support surface.
| Number of Feet |
4 |
| Feet Type |
Adjustable Isolation Feet |
| Levelling |
Adjustable |
| Finishers |
Machined Aluminium |
Connectivity
The Model 8 provides high-quality analogue phono connectivity through gold-plated WBT RCA sockets. The tonearm uses Crystal Cable internal wiring, and a dedicated earth connection is provided for integration with a phono stage or amplifier.
| Audio Output |
RCA Phono Output |
| RCA Sockets |
Gold-Plated WBT |
| Internal Tonearm Wiring |
Crystal Cable |
| Earth Connection |
Yes |
| Built-In Phono Stage |
No |
| Digital Output |
No |
Speed & Performance
The electronic speed controller provides precise adjustment of the platter's rotational speed. The Model 8 is designed for accurate 33⅓ and 45 RPM playback, with the speed controller allowing fine adjustment when precise pitch matching is required.
| Playback Speeds |
33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Speed Control |
Electronic |
| Speed Adjustment |
Fine Pitch Adjustment |
| Measured Wow |
0.02%* |
| Measured Flutter |
0.04%* |
| Measured Rumble |
-74.0 dB DIN-B Weighted* |
*Independent laboratory measurements reported by Hi-Fi News; these figures are not manufacturer-rated specifications.
Finish Options
The Model 8 is available in three SME finishes, allowing the turntable to complement a range of high-end audio systems.
- SME Black
- White
- Midnight Blue
Dimensions & Weight
| Width |
435 mm / 43.5 cm |
| Height |
150 mm / 15 cm |
| Depth |
320 mm / 32 cm |
| Dimensions |
435 × 150 × 320 mm |
| Product Weight |
12.4 kg |
Included Accessories
- SME Series 309 Tonearm
- Detachable Magnesium Headshell
- Tungsten Tonearm Balance Weight
- Record Weight / Clamp
- Crystal Cable Tonearm Wiring
- Gold-Plated WBT RCA Connections
- Adjustable Isolation Feet
- Power Supply / Speed Controller
- Operating Accessories
