SME Model 30 MK2 | Series V GPD

The MK2 Model 30 is a unique precision turntable of uncompromising quality and engineering excellence.
Once independently judged as ‘the best turntable of all time.
Construction is heavy mass; dampening is extensional and non-vibration from moving parts ensures excellent
dynamics and pitch stability. A new sophisticated drive system provides a significant advancement in speed control
and accuracy, transforming the new generation Model 30 into a new league.The Model 30 is the former SME flagship turntable delivering an outstanding performance and for many years considered to be the world’s reference standard turntable. This accolade is achieved from an ingenious design, precision engineering, intelligent damping and fundamental physics. The net result of the immense care taken in the design and execution of these components is the Model 30, audio engineering excellence evolved over six decades.The Model 30 is effortless in controlling and managing vibration, resonance, mechanical energy and electrical fields. Weighing over 42kg it is significant in relation to its size and density. The main and sub-chassis’ resists flexing at low frequencies whilst high frequency resonance is attenuated by efficient extensional damping. The outstanding performance Model 30 is available with or without a tonearm. The tonearm option is the flagship SME Series V with contrasting Silver Printed Detail and Crystal Cable internal wiring.

CONSTRUCTION

The MK2 Model 30 is a precision turntable made to exacting engineering standards for extreme performance. The chassis and sub-chassis are CNC machined from premium grade aluminium billet and acoustically treated. The sub-chassis is stiffened with a lateral brace for improved chassis flex and vibration control. The suspended suspension system provides definitive resonance control and houses the main bearing, platter and tonearm. In addition, the sub-chassis motion is finely disciplined by fluid dampers within the four suspension columns. All four feet are fully adjustable and mechanically de-coupled from the main chassis by way of isolators.

The main spindle is 19mm in diameter, precision machined from high chrome tool steel, ground, super finished and supported in a sealed housing with individually fitted sintered bronze bearings of generous proportions needed for precise bearing and platter rotational control.

SUSPENSION

With no sonic footprint, the Model 30 sub-chassis is suspended on 60 purpose made suspension rings meeting all the requirements of high-density construction, enabling an outstanding and dynamic performance.

DUMPING

Four suspension column fluid-dampers disciplines sub-chassis movement and eliminates overshoot to give almost zero Q recovery. The isolation needed to prevent acoustic feedback is bridged by the resistive coupling of the damping fluid through which unwanted reacted energy is conducted away to ‘ground’. This function is adjustable through trimmers which can be used in conjunction with a gauge to give recommended settings or varied to suit individual conditions. This extreme level of control is instrumental in the design and performance of the Model 30.[v/c_column_text]

PLATTER

The platter is machined from aluminium alloy and weighs 7.5kg and 330mm in diameter. Extensionally dampened and the top surface iso-damp mat is diamond-turned with a fine scroll for acoustic performance. This method of finishing upsets a myriad of tiny fibres which interface with the underside of the vinyl record. A substantial record clamp operating on the reflex principle ensures the largest possible platter contact even when appreciable record warp is present.

MOTOR

The Model 30 turntable is driven by a custom made bi-phase AC synchronous motor controlled by a highly advanced speed control unit providing precise speed accuracy and stability. The motor conforms to the highest standards of silent running.

SPEED CONTROL

The Speed Control Unit uses a dedicated DSP engine to generate two independent pure mathematical sine waves which provide total control of frequency, phase relationship and amplitude. These in turn are matched (tuned) to the motor for accuracy to obtain the best possible performance. The speed range is 33.33 and 45 rpm with independent memory settings via a switched encoder. Fine pitch speed increments/decrements of +/-0.01% of the selected speed are made by a rotary control on the Speed Control Unit fascia. The SCU case is CNC machined from billet polymer resin with machined aluminium fascia, chassis base and rear panel.

POWER UNIT

An independent mains Power Unit keeps the transformer separated from the Speed Control Unit and importantly away from the audio signal cables.