SME Model 20/12A

The SME Model 20/12A comes complete with the 312S 12" tonearm and has become a benchmark turntable for those who prefer the sound of 12" arm`s.

This outstanding combination delivers fantastic sound quality and the usual excellent fit and finish that SME have become rightly famous for. The Model 20/12A is a lasting tribute to the founder of the company Alistair Robertson-Aikman who sadly passed away in October 2006.

ARA as he was affectionally known wanted to try a 12" tone arm in his system to determine what the audible effects of the 27% reduction in tracking error would be. He decided to produce an extend Series V magnesium tonearm tube compatable for 12" usage whilst utilizing the existing magnesium headshell of the 312. Then he needed an SME turntable capable of taking this arm. The obvious candidate was an extended Model 30/2, but tool room time was scarce so the Model 20/2 was chosen as it was much easier and quicker to produce.

It immediately became obvious that the longer heavier tonearm required a bigger and heavier turntable than the M20/2 so work began on a new turntable taking the M20 as its basis. Eventually every component was increased not only in size but in weight leaving nothing of the original M20/2 machine intact. The result is an outstandingly un-coloured turntable which adds a new dimension to the SME sound.

See the bottom of this page for the specification on this turntable.

At 520mm x 375mm x 173.5mm (20.5" x 14.75" x 6.80") this is not a small turntable, especially as it weighs 33.5kg (73.7lb). Platter weight is 6.5kg (14.3lb).

Main features:

Stable four point suspension.

Sub-chassis suspended on forty purpose mouded `O` rings.

Trimming screws for suspension adjustment.

Central fluid damper controls sub-chassis motion and offers resistive ground path for acoustic signals.

19mm dia. main spindle machined from high chrome steel hardened, ground and super finished. Runs in a sealed oil bath.

Reflex clamping system minimises record resonance.

Generous use of extensional damping and resistive loop construction ensures sonic neutrality.

Driven by a 3-phase, 6 pulse, inductance motor, with 8 pole Neodymium magnets and 3 integrated Hall position sensors.

The PSU houses an electronic controller using a high performance microcomputer, optimised for motor control. Closed loop speed control is implemented by using a pseudo sine wave commutation sequence and a proportional-plus-integral (PI) algorithm

This new design incorporates a four layer surface mount technology pcb with on board user adjustable speed and lock facility.

33.3 - 45 - 78 rpm speed ranges.

Options:

A South West Analogue Silver Litz audio lead to significantly improve performance.

A South West Analogue mains cable to improve mains quality, UK only.

A South West Analogue 5mm "Cast" acrylic lift-off cover for turntable protection.

Brochure available on request

For Hi-Fi that brings you closer to the original sound