SME Series 30/2
With its many original design features the Model 30/2 is a unique turntable.
There are no critical adjustments or setting up procedures. Its immaculate
construction and finish stem from facilities and uncompromising quality
control which have made SME a byword for engineering excellence. Judged
by Germany’s AUDIO 'the best turntable of all time' the Model 30/2
can be for the fortunate owner of an analogue collection the key to lasting
musical enjoyment.
SME have built pick-up arms for more than thirty-five years and the
design and engineering experience gained has been applied in the Model
30/2, a precision turntable created to compliment the SME Series V regarded
by many as: 'the best pick-up arm in the world'.
In common with this arm the design of the Model 30/2 takes special account
of sonic considerations and with equipment of comparable quality can provide
a listening experience that allows L.P. sound to be re-assessed. Detail,
resolution, and neutrality are of a new order with a dynamic range that
does justice to the original sound.
The laws of physics decree that the higher the mass and stiffness of
a body the less it will flex and vibrate - and this is reflected throughout
the Model 30/2.
The sub-chassis is machined from 19mm thick aluminium alloy plate and
weighs approximately 17kg while the base with its four supporting pillars
adds a further 16kg. This offers the high mass and stiffness required
for uncoloured reproduction further aided by efficient extensional damping
of both components to reduce the amplitude and duration of their vibrational
modes.
In conventional turntables metal supporting springs often contribute
significantly to colouration. Sometimes even their size and nature can
be identified by an experienced ear!
The unique suspension system of the Model 30/2, however has no sonic footprint,
it hangs the sub-chassis on ninety-six strands of rubber in the form of
forty-eight purpose moulded 'O' rings. An ingenious method of anchorage
allows them to be removed or replaced instantly, should this ever be necessary,
even while a record is playing!
| It can be fairly claimed that the engineering of the Model 30/2
is unique in a turntable. In the quest for perfection even the stainless
steel motor pulley has received detailed attention. It is crowned
to ensure belt centrality, concentric within +/- 2,5 microns and
secured to its precision ground tungsten steel shaft with twin grub
screws to maintain rotational balance. From this the drive is transmitted
via a ground rubber belt to a 209mm sub-platter weighing 2,3kg. This
is extensionally damped and incorporates four captive transit screws
allowing the main spindle's vertical thrust bearing to be off loaded
for safe transport.
The power supply unit is suitable for AC 115 & 230V +/-10%
- 50/60Hz.
Current consumption 9 watts.
On/off and speeds are selected by a rotary switch and indicated
by L.E.Ds.
Twenty-turn trimmers give fine adjustment through the following
ranges:
33 1/3 = 27/40 rpm. 45 = 40/50 78 = 60/100
The Model 30/2 is available in two formats:
MODEL 30/2
equipped for but not including SME precision pick-up arm.
MODEL 30/2A
with matching SME Series V precision pick-up arm.
Complete with a comprehensive set of tools and equipment including
Height Setting Gauge, Ø300mm Stroboscopic Disc, Reflex Record
Clamp, Record Spindle Washer, Soft Cover and Operating Instruction
Manual.
Dimensions: 450 x 350 x 220mm.
Packing: Substantial wooden case with internal fitments.
Net weight with power supply: 42,0kg.
Shipping weight approximately: 58,0kg |
MICHELL
TecnoDec Michell's new TecnoDec is essentially a latest-spec
GyroDec with the expensive bits stripped off. To wit, it has
no suspension to speak of, and lacks its bigger brother's beautiful
suspended weights, in all their gold-plated splendour. Frankly
though, if I was going to strip bits off the Gyro to slash cash,
these are precisely what I'd bin. The advent of the new DC motor
(its source still a well kept secret!) has made the new TecnoDec
even more speed-stable than the old, QC-aspired AC Orbe complete
with that massive massloaded acrylic platter. In the new DC powered
world, weighty platters would appear less essential. |
Michell GyroDec
SE Once you hear the Gyrodec SE Mk.II (or rather, don't hear
it), you know it’s going to be in your system for the long
haul. With a naturally balanced cartridge, I have not heard reproduced
music sounding closer to live than through the Gyrodec. I don't
see the need to spend more on a turntable, even after hearing
the big boys at various high end shows. This turntable is designed
to provide long-term satisfaction, and is most highly recommended. Brad
Morrical - Positive Feedback |
SME
Model 10 The SME Model 10 is a welcome addition to a very
fine range, handling all sorts of material with an open and persuasive
balance that encourages you to keep on listening and hunting
for more vinyl (it is out there by the way). As well as being
stylish it's ridiculously well made - so forget your BMWs and
your Lexii. This is Rolls-Royce Aerospace grade hi-fi and it's
a bargain at the price. - JK, Hifi Choice |
Brinkmann LaGrange The
Brinkmann LaGrange turntable is without a doubt the best source
component I have ever had the chance to enjoy over an extended
period of time. It represents a level of perfection and emotional
connection to music that I have never heard before. - Danny Kaey
extract from Positive Feedback |
Origin
Live Resolution “In fact, this arm-table
combo is one of the finest performers I’ve heard at any
price....I could make a case for preferring this $4465 spread
to the $20,000+ version .....“The Resolution Modern works
brilliantly, is well-built, and its price is right. But regardless
of price, this is one of the truly special products I’ve
reviewed in the past 18 years.”
($4,465 is for Encounter tonearm & Resolution. $20,000 reference
is Michael’s Simon Yorke S7, Kuzma Air Tracking Arm, Sounds
of Silence platform).
- Michael Fremer, Stereophile July 2004 |
SME Model 20/2A If
I have appeared to be too uncritical of this player, then I apologise
but it is one of the few truly great components to come my way
in recent years. As an evaluation and demonstration tool the 20/2A
is unsurpassed. On occasions I have tried to set up top class systems
only to be frustrated when, despite hours of setting up and fine
adjustment, the system simply fails to gel. This never happened
with an SME player at the front end! - HiFi Choice David
Wiley |
