15-A MKII

The SME Model 15 draws its inspiration from the precision engineering of the Model 10, bringing much of the performance and construction philosophy of SME’s larger Model 20/3 and Model 30/2 into a more compact design.

Designed with SME’s characteristic attention to detail and straightforward operation, the Model 15 combines refined performance with understated styling, making it an elegant addition to a high-end analogue system.

The sub-chassis is suspended on thirty purpose-moulded O-rings and, together with the platter, weighs more than 11kg, providing the high-density construction required to minimise resonance and coloration. Suspension adjustment is provided through trimming screws in each column and can be set using the supplied gauge.

A central fluid damper controls sub-chassis movement, preventing overshoot and providing a resistive path for unwanted acoustic energy. The result is excellent isolation with virtually zero-Q recovery.

The 4.6kg aluminium platter is extensively damped and diamond-turned with a fine scroll surface, creating an effective interface with the record. A substantial reflex clamp maintains firm contact even with significantly warped records.

The 19mm chrome tool-steel spindle is precision-ground and super-finished, running in a sealed bearing housing with individually fitted sintered-bronze bearings designed to provide stable platter support.

Drive is provided by a three-phase, brushless outrunner motor using eight-pole neodymium magnets and three integrated Hall sensors. A high-performance microprocessor provides closed-loop speed control, with fine adjustment in 0.01% increments. Speeds of 33.3, 45 and 78rpm are available.

Standard arm mountings accommodate all SME 9- and 10-inch tonearms. A soft dust cover is supplied.

Model 15

Supplied ready for an SME precision pickup arm, but without an arm fitted.

Model 15A

As above, but supplied with a matching SME 3009 SPD precision pickup arm.