SME Model 60 Honeycomb with Series VA Tonearm
The SME Model 60 Honeycomb is a flagship precision-engineered turntable built around SME's advanced high-mass chassis architecture and sophisticated mechanical isolation system. This configuration combines the Model 60 platform with the SME Series VA tonearm, providing a highly controlled analogue playback foundation designed for precise record tracking and exceptionally stable vinyl reproduction.
Key Features
- SME Model 60 Honeycomb precision turntable.
- SME Series VA tonearm.
- Distinctive Honeycomb finish and detailing.
- High-mass precision-engineered aluminium chassis.
- Acoustically treated chassis, sub-chassis and platter.
- Intelligent suspended sub-chassis system.
- Independent vertical and horizontal suspension control.
- Hydraulically damped main bearing.
- 330 mm precision-machined aluminium platter.
- 7.5 kg platter assembly.
- Custom bi-phase AC synchronous motor.
- Dedicated DSP-based electronic speed control.
- 33⅓ and 45 RPM operation.
- Independent speed settings.
- Crystal Cable internal tonearm wiring.
- Four mechanically de-coupled adjustable feet.
- Separate external Power Unit.
- Separate Speed Control Unit.
- RCA output with optional balanced XLR connectivity.
Honeycomb Construction
The Model 60 Honeycomb combines SME's rigid high-mass construction with an acoustically controlled chassis architecture. The honeycomb-inspired design and precision-machined aluminium structure provide a rigid platform for the platter, main bearing and tonearm while helping control unwanted mechanical resonance.
| Chassis Construction |
High-Mass Precision-Engineered Aluminium |
| Design |
Honeycomb Architecture |
| Acoustic Treatment |
Acoustically Controlled Construction |
| Isolation |
Multi-Point Mechanical Isolation |
Suspended Sub-Chassis
The suspended sub-chassis carries the critical platter, bearing and tonearm assembly while isolating it from the main chassis. SME's suspension arrangement provides controlled movement in both vertical and horizontal planes while maintaining the geometry required for accurate record playback.
| Suspension Type |
Suspended Sub-Chassis |
| Movement Control |
Vertical and Horizontal |
| Support Structure |
Four Suspension Towers |
| Isolation Feet |
4 Mechanically De-Coupled Adjustable Feet |
Hydraulically Damped Main Bearing
The Model 60 incorporates a precision main bearing with hydraulic damping to control unwanted mechanical energy generated around the bearing and rotating assembly. This contributes to stable platter rotation and a controlled mechanical environment for the tonearm and cartridge.
| Main Bearing |
Precision Damped Main Bearing |
| Damping System |
Hydraulic Damping |
| Function |
Control of Bearing-Related Resonance |
Precision Platter
The Model 60 uses a substantial precision-machined aluminium platter designed as part of the overall acoustically controlled turntable system. Its high mass and controlled construction provide a stable rotating platform for vinyl records.
| Material |
Precision-Machined Aluminium |
| Diameter |
330 mm / 33 cm |
| Weight |
7.5 kg |
| Construction |
Acoustically Treated |
SME Series VA Tonearm
The SME Series VA is the factory-fitted reference tonearm for the Model 60. Its precision-machined tonearm structure uses high-density polymer-resin construction to provide a rigid and acoustically controlled platform for cartridge mounting and groove tracking. Crystal Cable internal wiring is used for the analogue signal path.
| Tonearm |
SME Series VA |
| Construction |
CNC-Machined High-Density Polymer Resin |
| Effective Mass |
10–11 g |
| Cartridge Balance Range |
5–18 g |
| Vertical Tracking Force |
0–3.0 g / 30 mN |
| Internal Wiring |
Crystal Cable 0.1 mm Mono X-Tal |
Drive System
A custom bi-phase AC synchronous motor drives the platter through a precision belt-drive arrangement. The motor is controlled electronically through SME's dedicated Speed Control Unit for accurate and stable rotational speed.
| Drive Method |
Belt Drive |
| Motor Type |
Bi-Phase AC Synchronous Motor |
| Playback Speeds |
33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Speed Control |
Dedicated DSP-Based Electronic Control |
| Speed Settings |
Independent Settings |
Separate Speed Control Unit
The dedicated Speed Control Unit manages the motor's operating frequency, phase and amplitude to provide precise platter-speed regulation. Separate speed settings are provided for 33⅓ and 45 RPM.
| Control System |
DSP-Based Speed Control |
| Speed Selection |
33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Speed Memory |
Independent Settings |
| Adjustment |
Fine Electronic Speed Adjustment |
Separate Power Unit
The mains transformer is housed in a separate external Power Unit. This physically separates the power transformer from the turntable and sensitive analogue signal path.
| Power Supply |
Separate External Power Unit |
| Power Unit Weight |
4.2 kg |
| Transformer Location |
External |
Connectivity
The Model 60 is designed to connect to an external phono stage and amplification system. Standard chassis-mounted RCA connectivity is provided, with balanced XLR connectivity available as an option.
| Standard Output |
RCA |
| Optional Output |
Balanced XLR |
| Phono Stage |
External Required |
| Tonearm Wiring |
Crystal Cable |
Dimensions & Weight
| Turntable Width |
557 mm / 55.7 cm |
| Turntable Depth |
417 mm / 41.7 cm |
| Turntable Height |
212 mm / 21.2 cm |
| Platter Diameter |
330 mm / 33 cm |
| Turntable Weight |
48 kg |
| Speed Control Unit Weight |
2 kg |
| Power Unit Weight |
4.2 kg |
| Boxed Shipping Weight |
86 kg |
Included Configuration
- SME Model 60 Honeycomb 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 Mechanically De-Coupled Adjustable Feet
