20/3

About the 20/3

The SME Model 20/3 is a finely engineered precision turntable built to the same exacting standards as the Model 20/12, incorporating many of its design features. It features massive construction and extensional damping of major surfaces to minimize vibration from moving parts, ensuring exceptional detail, resolution, and uncoloured performance. The turntable weighs approximately 28.6 kg (63 lb), with a dense sub-chassis measuring 440mm by 350mm and weighing 11 kg, designed to resist flexing and attenuate high-frequency resonance. The sub-chassis is suspended on forty purpose-moulded 'O' rings for freedom from feedback, with a large central damper controlling movement. The turntable is driven by a 3-phase, brushless outrunner inductance motor with 8-pole Neodymium magnets and 3 integrated Hall position sensors, controlled by a high-performance microprocessor implementing closed-loop speed control with a proportional plus integral (PI) algorithm. It supports speeds of 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm with fine pitch adjustment increments of ±0.01%. The Model 20/3 has no sonic signature of its own, providing tonal dynamic neutrality and quietness. Dimensions are 440 x 350 x 172 mm, and it typically includes the SME Series V tonearm. Power supply and speed control units are separate to minimize interference. The turntable is available in various configurations and prices, typically around £999 to £1499 depending on options and retailer.