SME Model 60 Brushed with Series VA Tonearm

The SME Model 60 is SME's flagship precision turntable, developed as the culmination of decades of high-end analogue engineering. It combines a high-mass, acoustically treated chassis with an intelligent suspended sub-chassis, hydraulically damped main bearing, precision platter and sophisticated electronic speed control. This configuration is supplied with the SME Series VA tonearm and is available in Brushed Silver or Brushed Black finishes.

Key Features

• SME Model 60 flagship precision turntable.
• SME Series VA precision tonearm.
• Brushed Silver or Brushed Black anodised finish.
• High-mass, precision-engineered aluminium construction.
• Acoustically treated main chassis, sub-chassis and platter.
• Intelligent suspended sub-chassis system.
• Independent vertical and horizontal suspension control.
• Multi-point isolation through four de-coupled adjustable feet.
• Hydraulically damped precision main bearing.
• 7.5 kg precision-machined aluminium platter.
• 330 mm platter diameter.
• Custom bi-phase AC synchronous motor.
• Dedicated DSP-based speed control system.
• 33⅓ and 45 RPM operation.
• Independent speed memory settings.
• Crystal Cable internal tonearm wiring.
• Separate external Power Unit.
• Separate Speed Control Unit.
• RCA chassis-mounted outputs with optional balanced XLR connectivity.

Model 60 Construction

The Model 60 uses a precision-engineered aluminium chassis and sub-chassis designed to provide a rigid and acoustically controlled platform for the platter, bearing and tonearm. The structure incorporates extensive acoustic treatment to reduce unwanted resonance and mechanical energy.

Suspension System

The Model 60 features an intelligent suspended sub-chassis with independent control of vertical and horizontal movement. The suspension architecture uses multiple support bands around the four corner towers to provide controlled isolation while maintaining accurate platter and tonearm geometry.

Hydraulically Damped Main Bearing

The Model 60 incorporates a precision main bearing with a dedicated hydraulic damping arrangement. The damping system is designed to absorb microscopic resonances generated by the rotating bearing, spindle and platter assembly while maintaining smooth and stable rotation.

Precision Platter

The Model 60 uses a substantial 330 mm aluminium platter weighing 7.5 kg. The platter incorporates an acoustically inert upper surface designed to provide a stable interface with the record while minimising unwanted resonance.

SME Series VA Tonearm

The Series VA is SME's advanced reference tonearm developed specifically for the Model 60. Its tonearm tube is CNC machined from a high-density, high-rigidity polymer resin selected for its acoustically inert characteristics and reduced resonance. The design also provides an optimised effective mass and broad cartridge balance range.

Drive System & Speed Control

The Model 60 uses a custom-made bi-phase AC synchronous motor controlled by a dedicated DSP-based Speed Control Unit. The system generates precisely controlled frequency, phase and amplitude signals matched to the motor for accurate and stable platter rotation.

Separate Power & Control Units

The Model 60 uses separate external electronics to keep the mains transformer and speed-control circuitry physically isolated from the sensitive analogue playback system. The Power Unit houses the transformer, while the Speed Control Unit manages motor operation and speed adjustment.

Connectivity

The Model 60 provides chassis-mounted analogue outputs for connection to an appropriate external phono stage and amplification system. Balanced XLR connectivity is available as an option.

Finish Options

• Brushed Silver – Brushed Metal Silver Anodised Surface Finish with Black Detailing.
• Brushed Black – Brushed Metal Black Anodised Surface Finish with Black Detailing.

Dimensions & Weight

Included Configuration

• SME Model 60 Turntable
• SME Series VA Tonearm
• 7.5 kg Precision-Machined Aluminium Platter
• Record Clamp
• Crystal Cable Internal Tonearm Wiring
• Dedicated Speed Control Unit
• Separate External Power Unit
• Four De-Coupled Adjustable Feet