20-3 MKII

The SME Model 20/3 is engineered to minimise the effects of unwanted vibration, using high mass, rigidity and carefully controlled damping to achieve exceptional tonal neutrality.

Weighing approximately 28.6kg, the 16mm-thick sub-chassis alone weighs 11kg. It is suspended on forty purpose-moulded O-rings, providing eighty rubber suspension strands, with a central fluid damper controlling movement and helping prevent acoustic feedback. The suspension is adjustable and can be secured for transport.

Particular attention is given to the management of acoustic energy within the structure, using carefully designed interfaces, extensional damping and resistive coupling to prevent unwanted resonance and coloration.

The 6.5kg platter features SME’s Isodamp construction and a precision-machined scroll surface, while the 19mm hardened, ground and super-finished steel spindle runs in a sealed oil-bath bearing for long-term stability. A screw-down reflex clamp further minimises record resonance.

Drive is provided by a three-phase, brushless motor with eight-pole neodymium magnets and Hall sensors. A microprocessor-controlled, closed-loop system provides highly accurate speed regulation with fine adjustment in 0.01% increments. Speeds of 33⅓, 45 and 78rpm are supported.

Key Features

• High-mass, rigid 11kg sub-chassis
• 40 O-ring suspension with adjustable damping
• Central fluid damper for controlled sub-chassis movement
• 6.5kg Isodamp platter
• Precision 19mm steel spindle with sealed oil-bath bearing
• Screw-down reflex record clamp
• Extensive extensional and resistive damping
• Three-phase brushless motor with neodymium magnets
• Microprocessor-controlled closed-loop speed regulation
• 33⅓, 45 and 78rpm operation
• ±0.01% fine speed adjustment
• Adjustable steel ball or compliant mounting options
• Transit locking and sub-platter thrust-bearing protection
• Shielded control unit with LED indicators
• Large-diameter stroboscopic disc supplied