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SME

SME Model 20/12 Mk II Turntable

SKU: Model 20/12A

$44,700.00
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A larger and more massive version of our well known Model 20/2. It will accept nine, ten and twelve-inch arms but is especially directed at the exciting Model 312S. This offers a performance some 27% better than a nine-inch arm in respect of angular error distortion. The wand and headshell are pressure die-cast in magnesium and are 27g lighter than they would be in aluminium.

Probably the stiffest and lightest twelve-inch arms ever made these dual problems are at last addressed and on listening, the benefits of minimal tracking error and harmonic distortion are clearly revealed. A turntable should address the problems of extraneous vibrations. These emanate from numerous sources including air and structural vibration from loudspeakers, groove modulation, stray electrical fields and mechanical imperfections in moving parts.

In the Model 20/12, superb instrument quality machining is allied with fundamental physics. The higher the mass and stiffness of a body the less it will flex and vibrate; the duration of a vibration can be shortened by suitable damping.

Model 20/12 weighs approximately 33.5Kg (73.7lb), significant in relation to its size because it is density that matters. For example, the same weight of metal spread over a large enough area would be aluminium foil! The sub-chassis measures only 20 1/2" (520mm) by 14 3/4" (375mm) but weighs 8.0Kg (17.6lb). Its thickness, 5/8" (16mm) resists flexing at low frequencies whilst high frequency resonance is attenuated by efficient extensional damping.

SME (Scale Model Equipment) is a British manufacturer of high-end turntables and tonearms. The company was founded in 1946 by Alastair Robertson-Aikman, who began by designing and building scale model engines and equipment for the radio-controlled aircraft market.

SME's product line includes a range of turntables and tonearms, from entry-level models to high-end audiophile models. They use high-quality materials and components, such as precision-machined aluminum and carbon fiber, to ensure their products deliver excellent sound quality. SME also pays close attention to the design and engineering of their products, resulting in turntables and tonearms that are highly regarded for their performance and reliability.

One of SME's strengths is their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. They hand-build and test each turntable and tonearm in-house to ensure they meet high standards of accuracy and performance. SME also offers a variety of customization options, allowing customers to tailor their products to their specific needs and preferences.

SME has gained a reputation for their excellent build quality, attention to detail, and advanced engineering. Their products are highly regarded by audiophiles and music lovers worldwide and have won numerous awards and accolades over the years.

All orders are processed within 48 hours from date of order.

We offer Free Ground Shipping on all orders regardless of size.  

  • If you would like to receive your order quicker you can request Express shipping during Check-Out in the Comments section.  Additional charges will apply.
  • In-stock items are shipped from our Vancouver warehouse and will reach major Canadian cities in 5-7 business days.
  • Items not in stock will either ship from one of our manufacturer partners' warehouses or in rare cases first must be sent to Vancouver and then to you.  
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