30-12A MKII

The SME 30-12A MKII is a substantial suspended turntable designed for 9-, 10- and 12-inch tonearms, with particular emphasis on the Series V-12. Its longer arm provides approximately 27% lower angular-error distortion than a typical 9-inch arm. The design retains the engineering of the Model 30/2 while increasing mass and rigidity.

The sub-chassis is suspended on 60 purpose-moulded O-rings, providing 120 rubber suspension strands. Both the sub-chassis and main chassis are increased in thickness to support structural stability and acoustic neutrality. Four adjustable fluid dampers control sub-chassis movement, preventing overshoot and isolating the turntable from acoustic feedback. Built-in transport locks secure the suspension during transit.

A 330mm, 7.5kg platter runs on a precision spindle measuring 19mm in diameter and 170.5mm in length. It is housed in a sealed assembly with individually fitted sintered-bronze bearings. The platter has a fine-scroll machined surface for record contact, while a substantial reflex clamp maintains stability with warped records. The extensionally damped arm mounting board is reversible, allowing 9-inch tonearms to be fitted when required.

Drive comes from a 2.5kg three-phase brushless motor using 8-pole neodymium magnets and Hall sensors. Urethane mounts isolate the motor, and a precision stainless-steel pulley, concentric to within ±2.5 microns, drives the damped 2.3kg sub-platter through a ground rubber belt.

A microprocessor provides closed-loop speed control with adjustment in 0.01% increments. The SME 30-12A MKII supports 33.3, 45 and 78rpm, combining high mass, rigidity, vibration control and drive precision for stable pitch, detailed reproduction, dynamics and neutral performance.