30-12 MKII Turntable

The SME 30-12 MKII is a precision turntable designed for 9, 10 and 12 inch tonearms, with particular provision for the SME Series V-12. Compared with a 9 inch arm, the 12 inch configuration offers 27% lower angular error distortion. The turntable is made and finished using the facilities and quality-control processes associated with SME.

Developed as a companion to the Series V-12, the SME Model 30/12 carries the features of the Model 30/2 in a larger format. Its suspension uses 60 purpose-moulded ‘O’ rings, providing 120 strands of rubber to support the sub-chassis. The sub-chassis is 16% thicker, while the main chassis is 19% thicker. These changes provide the additional rigidity required for acoustic neutrality.

Metal supporting springs used in conventional turntables can contribute to colouration. The Model 30/12 instead suspends the sub-chassis on 120 strands of rubber formed by 60 purpose-moulded ‘O’ rings. An anchorage system allows the rings to be removed or replaced immediately if required, including while a record is playing. The arrangement positions the centre of gravity for natural stability and reduced sensitivity to external influences.

Sub-chassis movement is controlled by 4 fluid dampers, with 1 in each supporting column. They eliminate overshoot and provide almost zero Q recovery, allowing records and tonearms to be placed without disturbing the suspension. Resistive coupling through the damping fluid conducts unwanted reacted energy away to ground while maintaining the isolation required to prevent acoustic feedback. Trimmers adjust this function, either with a gauge to achieve the recommended settings or to suit individual conditions.

There is 1 built-in lock at each corner of the sub-chassis. These secure the suspension and automatically seal it for transport.

The 170,5mm long and 19mm diameter spindle runs in a substantial sealed housing with individually fitted sintered bronze bearings. These components support the 330mm diameter platter, which weighs 7.5kg. Their design contributes to the turntable’s dynamics and pitch stability.

The platter face is machined with a fine scroll intended to provide a better interface than a plain surface. A reflex clamp maintains contact with the platter when a record has a severe warp. The sub-chassis and arm mounting board interface is extensionally damped, and the reversible mounting board allows 9 inch pick-up arms to be fitted when necessary.

The electronically commutated motor weighs 2,5kg and is free from cogging effect with virtually no vibration. It is isolated on urethane mounts and can be adjusted for accurate belt positioning. The stainless steel motor pulley is crowned to keep the belt central, is concentric within +/- 2,5 microns, and is secured to the precision-ground tungsten steel shaft with twin grub screws to maintain rotational balance.

Drive is transferred by a ground rubber belt to the 209mm sub-platter, which weighs 2,3kg. The sub-platter is extensionally damped and incorporates 4 captive transit screws. These unload the main spindle’s vertical thrust bearing for safe transport.

The SME 30-12 MKII uses a 3 phase, brushless outrunner inductance motor with 8-pole Neodymium magnets and 3 integrated Hall position sensors. Its electronic controller uses a microprocessor optimised for motor control, with closed-loop speed control implemented through a proportional plus integral (PI) algorithm. Fine pitch adjustment provides increments or decrements of +/-0.01% of the selected speed.

Speed ranges: 33.3, 45 & 78 rpm.

Mains voltages available are 90-110V, 105-125V and 220-240V 50/60Hz. Please specify when ordering.