MODEL 20/12

SME Model 20/12 - $28,000.00

Ideally, a turntable should address all problems associated with extraneous vibrations. These vibrations emanate from numerous sources including airborne and structural vibration from loudspeakers, record groove modulation, stray electrical fields and mechanical imperfections in moving parts. The SME Model 20/12, due to its superb instrument quality machining, is allied with fundamental physics. By adhering to the premise that the higher the mass and stiffness of a body the less it will flex and vibrate; and the duration of a vibration can be shortened by suitable damping.

The Model 20/12 weighs approximately 74lbs (33.5kg), significant in relation to its size because it is density that matters. The sub-chassis measures only 20.5” (520mm) by 14.75” (375mm) but weighs 17.6lbs. (8kg). Its thickness, 5/8” (16mm) resists flexing a low frequencies while high frequency resonance is attenuated by efficient extensional damping. The sub-chassis is suspended on forty purpose molded “O” rings, which ensure freedom from any low frequency feedback. A large centrally located fluid-damper controls sub-chassis movement providing a sense of security when placing records on or removing them from the platter. Even acoustic signals generated from arm, cartridge and record are passed into the sub-chassis and dissipated using advanced phase cancellation techniques.

The Model 312S Tonearm is an exceptional engineering feat provides superior performance by improving angular error distortion. The arm tube is fashioned by pressure die casting in ultra pure magnesium lightening it by 27 grams over aluminum. The combination of length, strength, lightness and rigidity create the virtual elimination of tracking error and harmonic distortion resulting in exceptionally clear and uncolored music reproduction.

The Model 20/12 analog playback system is all about the control of vibration and as a result, has no “sonic signature” of its own, only the stunning tonal and dynamic neutrality that it exhibits on your favorite vinyl recordings.