15-A MKII

The SME 15-A MKII is a high-end analogue turntable supplied with a matching SME 3009 SPD precision pickup arm. It draws on the engineering of the SME Model 10, while incorporating aspects of the construction philosophy used for the larger Model 20/3 and Model 30/2 in a more compact design.

Its suspended sub-chassis uses 30 purpose-moulded O-rings and, together with the platter, weighs more than 11kg. This high-density construction is intended to minimise resonance and coloration. Suspension adjustment is made with trimming screws in each column and set using the supplied gauge. A central fluid damper controls sub-chassis movement, preventing overshoot and providing a resistive path for unwanted acoustic energy, with isolation and virtually zero-Q recovery.

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

Platter support is provided by a 19mm chrome tool-steel spindle. It is precision-ground and super-finished, and runs in a sealed bearing housing with individually fitted sintered-bronze bearings.

Drive comes from a three-phase, brushless outrunner motor with 8-pole neodymium magnets and 3 integrated Hall sensors. A high-performance microprocessor provides closed-loop speed control, with fine adjustment in 0.01% increments. The available speeds are 33.3, 45 and 78rpm.

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.