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.
| Chassis Material |
Premium-Grade CNC-Machined Aluminium Billet |
| Chassis Design |
High-Density Split-Level Construction |
| Main Plate Thickness |
16 mm |
| Sub-Chassis Plate Thickness |
16 mm |
| Damping |
Extensional Damping |
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.
| Suspension |
Suspended Suspension System |
| Suspension Rings |
40 |
| Damping |
Central Fluid Damping System |
| Isolation Feet |
4 Fully Adjustable Mechanically De-Coupled Feet |
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.
| Spindle Diameter |
19 mm |
| Spindle Material |
High-Chrome Tool Steel |
| Bearing Housing |
Sealed |
| Bearing |
Individually Fitted Sintered Bronze Bearings |
| Platter Material |
Machined Aluminium Alloy |
| Platter Weight |
6.5 kg |
| Platter Diameter |
325 mm |
| Platter Surface |
Iso-Damp / Diamond-Turned |
| Record Clamp |
Reflex-Principle Screw-Down Clamp |
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.
| Tonearm |
SME Series Vᵢ |
| Arm Construction |
One-Piece Pressure Die-Cast Magnesium |
| Internal Wiring |
Crystal Cable |
| Cartridge Alignment |
Precision Sledge Arrangement |
| Tracking Control |
Adjustable Tracking Force and Bias |
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.
| Drive Method |
Belt Drive |
| Motor |
Custom Bi-Phase AC Synchronous Motor |
| Motor Control |
DSP-Based Electronic Speed Control |
| Playback Speeds |
33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Fine Speed Adjustment |
±0.01% Increments |
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.
| Control System |
Dedicated DSP Engine |
| Speed Selection |
33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Memory |
Independent Settings per Speed |
| Fine Adjustment |
±0.01% of Selected Speed |
| Control |
Switched Encoder / Rotary Control |
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.
| Power Supply |
Independent External Power Unit |
| Transformer Location |
Separate from Turntable Audio Signal Cables |
| Configuration |
External Mains Transformer |
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.
| Tonearm Wiring |
Crystal Cable |
| Chassis Connections |
RCA or XLR |
| Phono Stage |
Not Integrated |
Dimensions & Weight
| Turntable Width |
440 mm / 44 cm |
| Turntable Depth |
350 mm / 35 cm |
| Turntable Height |
175 mm / 17.5 cm |
| Platter Diameter |
325 mm / 32.5 cm |
| Speed Control Unit |
150 × 295 × 82 mm |
| Power Unit |
188 × 242 × 82 mm |
| Turntable Weight |
26 kg |
| Speed Control Unit Weight |
2.52 kg |
| Power Unit Weight |
4.04 kg |
| Shipping Weight |
36.37 kg |
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