30/12

About the 30/12

The SME Model 30/12 MK2 is a high-mass, suspended precision turntable derived from the Model 30/2 and engineered for extreme performance, supplied as standard with SME's Series V-12 12-inch tonearm with Crystal Cable internal wiring. Its CNC-machined aluminium chassis and sub-chassis use heavy mass construction, extensional damping, and a suspended sub-chassis on 60 purpose-made suspension rings (O-rings totalling 120 rubber strands) to control resonance and vibration. A fluid-damped four-column suspension, fully adjustable isolated feet, and a close-tolerance 19mm high-chrome tool-steel main spindle running in a sealed housing with sintered bronze bearings provide precise platter rotational control for the 330mm platter. The MK2 version adds a stiffened, laterally braced sub-chassis for improved rigidity and vibration control, along with an updated, highly sophisticated electronic drive system using a custom bi-phase AC synchronous motor and advanced speed controller for accurate and stable speeds at 33, 45, and 78 rpm. An independent mains power unit keeps the transformer separate from the speed control unit and away from audio signal cables, with LEMO low-power connections and chassis-mounted RCA or XLR outputs. The armboard is reversible to accommodate 9, 10, or 12-inch tonearms, and the supplied Series V-12 offers significantly reduced tracking error and distortion compared with 9-inch arms, along with Crystal Cable internal wiring and premium finish options. The complete turntable weighs around 50kg (excluding external units), reflecting its emphasis on mass and mechanical stability.