South West Analogue Hi Fi Specialists Winsford Somerset TA24 7JH
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SME MODEL 30/2A turntable
Despite the recent release of the new SME flagship Model 30/12A the much loved smaller and lighter 30/2A is as popular as ever. Upgrades to the computer controlled power supply over the last few years have elevated performance to an even higher level, making it one of the most highly sought after high-end turntables available. The downside to this popularity is that because all new SME turntables are made to order a waiting time of 3/4 weeks is not unusual.
SME MODEL 30/2A turntable
The Model 30/2A has been little changed in its twenty plus years of production with its acknowledged first rate design and top quality precision engineering giving it a neutral sound quality with the total reliability expected of all things SME. This is because SME still produce precision engineered products for many other discerning customers outside of the audio industry where quality and reliability are paramount.
This is a no frills design, where form follows function with no superfluous additions on show, every component is designed to do a specific job and is over engineered so it will last a lifetime. This gives a heavy machine of 42kg (92Ibs) but with a compact silhouette of only 450mm wide x 350mm deep. Height is approximately 220mm depending on tone-arm setting. This totally unique turntable utilizes 48 purpose moulded long life "O" rings to suspend the 19mm thick sub-chassis with its weight of 17kg (not including its attached components). This unusual suspension system has no discernable resonance as the aluminium alloy plate is damped with a space age material called Isodamp and the specially formulated "O" rings have no audible character of their own. Listeners used to turntables with metal sprung suspension systems might find something missing from the sound, this is of course true, you are listening to the music not the spring resonance. Colouration is replaced by neutrality.
The main chassis with the four suspension towers adds another 16kg to the overall weight, again this is damped with the same Isodamp material to cancel out all vibrations. The suspension towers have a fluid damper trough incorporated into each unit to facilitate the elimination of unwanted energy and stabilize the sub-chassis movement to give a stable platform in all aspects of handling so playing an LP is as fuss free as possible.
The spindle of the main bearing is 170.5mm long and 19mm in diameter. It runs in a sealed for life housing with individually fitted sintered bronze bearings which is more than sufficient to adequately support the 7kg platter. Again the platter is damped top and bottom with Isodamp with the top face having a machined fine scroll to interface perfectly with the vinyl record. A threaded heavy record clamp gives the vinyl a large contact area with the platter and can be adjusted for even badly warped records.
The DC motor is easily up to revolving the heavy platter being an electronically commutated cogging-effect free design which is virtually vibration free and is housed in its own purpose built 2.5kg metal enclosure and isolated from the main chassis by three spiked feet sitting in urethane cups. This 3 phase, brushless outrunner inductance motor with 8 pole Neodymium magnets and 3 integrated Hall position sensors. The computer controlled power supply uses a high performance microprocessor, optimised for motor control. It has three speeds 33 1/3, 45 & 78 rpm with a fine pitch adjustment. Once the required speed has been selected the platter is very soon up to speed, at which point the Blue Lock light appears then that speed is locked into the computer and does not alter until the off button is selected.
All tolerances are minimal to give not only a remarkable "life like" sound quality but to ensure that it sounds the same in future decades as it does today. The quality of SME engineering is a byword in the audio industry (and beyond) and is the yardstick that all other equipment is judged by.
The standard tone-arm fitment for the SME Model 30/2A is the Series V GPD (Gold Print & Details) and they of course match perfectly sonically and visually.
The RRP of the Model 30/2 (turntable only) is £13,440.27. With UK VAT added it is £16,128.34. Some components can be factory 24 carat Gold Plated and the RRP of this special turntable is £16,249.25 or £19,499.10 with UK VAT added. 24 carat Gold turntables will take about six weeks to produce. Our price on application
The RRP of the Model 30/2A incorporating the Series V GPD is £15,580.14 or £18,696.17 with UK VAT added. The 24 carat Gold plated version complete with the 24 carat Gold plated Series V is £19,202.09 or £23,042.51 with UK VAT added. Our price on application.
A South West Analogue Performance Package is also available to order. This includes the top of the range Pure Silver Litz internal wiring to the tone-arm (this is standard on the Series V Gold Plated arm), an optional audio lead to replace the standard 501 hybrid (some consider this to be the only weak link). Our own Silver Plated Copper mains lead designed to combat RFI and EMI and our own 5mm cast acrylic lift off turntable cover complete with the SME logo. All items are subject to market suitability, please enquire for our special price.
Please note that although of good quality some people may regard the standard 501 hybrid audio lead to be the the weakest part of this turntable package. With the thickness of the chassis and the large mounting plate the standard SME right angled audio lead will not fit this turntable (or the Model 30/12A). SME usually supply a special version of the 501audio lead with a vertical plug in arrangement for these two turntables. This does mean that changing and upgrading the audio lead is very difficult and with the very limited space inside the 5 pin Din plug bigger cables are not advised. SME recognized this problem many years ago and have a special phono socket conversion available to special order so that any lead with phono (RCA) plugs can easily be used. For more details on this factory conversion please enquire.