MODEL 20/12
MODEL 20/12
The SME MODEL 20/12 belongs to the group of turntables with soft suspension. A characteristic feature of such designs is the damping of vibrations in the pickup system, achieved through a system of springs and dampers. As is well known, the stiffer and heavier a given design is, the less susceptible it is to vibrations and tremors. By combining high mass, rigidity, and soft suspension, the MODEL 20/12 ensures optimal utilization of all the advantages of such a design. Compared to the version with a 9″ tonearm, the 20/12 model features a 27% reduction in the cartridge tracking error. The tonearm, made partly of die-cast magnesium, is 27 g lighter than the aluminum version. The turntable weighs over 33 kg, which, combined with its compact design, further stiffens the entire structure. The subchassis, made of a 9.5 mm thick aluminum plate, measures 520 by 375 mm and weighs 8 kg. Its substantial mass ensures adequate flexibility at the lowest frequencies. The use of appropriate damping optimizes resonances in the higher registers. The method of suspending the subchassis on soft dampers is of great importance to the sound, as it prevents the coloration often found in designs supported by metal springs. The MODEL 20/12 is suspended on 32 rubber rings that ensure an adequate level of isolation from any acoustic coupling. All vertical and horizontal movements of the suspension system are controlled by large oil dampers located in the support columns. A certain degree of coupling between the base and the subchassis is necessary to cancel out unwanted vibrations from the drive system and tonearm, which are transmitted—partly as vibrations and partly as heat—through the damping fluid to the base and dissipated into the floor.
Key technical specifications:
Turntable dimensions – 520 x 375 x 173.5 mm
Weight (with power supply) – 35.5 kg.
Power supply: 230V
Rotation speeds: 33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm – with smooth adjustment.
Subchassis suspended on rubber rings
Leveling screws for the suspension
Oil damping to control the subchassis position and eliminate vibrations transmitted to the base
Platter spindle made of chrome-plated machine-grade steel
Tracking force applied to the platter to reduce record resonance
6.5 kg platter lined with a special damping material
Adjustable rings in the base for leveling the turntable
High-torque 3-phase AC motor.
The turntable is available in two versions with different configurations:
MODEL 20/12
Version equipped only with a tonearm mount—tonearm not included
MODEL 20/12A
Version equipped with a complete 312S SERIES tonearm