Source: Press Release, Last Accessed: 2019/05/09

SME recently announced the launch of the Model 12A, a valuable addition to the range of their precision turntables, mirroring the exact standards and engineering excellence of the senior models. The design aim was to create high mass, small footprint and high performance, to deliver a pleasing detailed sound balance that encourages fresh exploration of any record collection, the company says.
This new entry level turntable uses the unique styling of Synergy and comes complete with the highly acclaimed SME 309 tonearm and internal Crystal Cable wiring as standard with an option to upgrade to Series IV or V tonearms. The Model 12A is available in three paint finishes of traditional SME Black, Dark Grey and Dark Blue with contrasting detailing.
With a compact footprint, the main chassis is precision machined from a solid billet of premium grade aerospace aluminum, supported on four large polymer isolators inside adjustable feet, which allow for quick and easy leveling. Also machined from a single billet of aluminum, the trilateral sub-chassis, which firmly holds the main bearing and tonearm, is mounted on three suspension columns, providing isolation.
The main spindle is 19 mm, machined from high chrome tool steel and is supported in a sealed housing with individually matched sintered bronze bearings. The platter is machined from aluminum alloy, weights over 4.6 kg and is dampened with an ultra-specialist, space grade material, unique to SME (Isodamp).
The turntable is driven by a 3 phase, brushless outrunner motor (a motor in which the rotor is placed outside the stator) with 8-pole Neodymium magnets and three integrated hall effect sensors. Contained within a precision-machined housing, the total motor assembly is virtually vibration-less, as its 2.5 kg weight is isolated from the sub chassis by urethane mounts and spikes. The electronic control unit uses a high-performance microprocessor, and the closed loop is implemented using a proportional plus integral (PI) algorithm. Speed ranges are 33.3, 45 and 78rpm, with fine pitch speed adjustment allowing increments/decrements of ±0.01% of the selected speed.
The Model 12A comes equipped with an SME Model 309, one-piece magnesium tonearm, that uses advanced metal techniques to produce an exceptionally rigid arm. With a detachable magnesium headshell that features an advanced style coupling, the Series 309 tonearm offers the convenience of rapid cartridge interchange. Constrained layers within the tonearm work to dampen any minute residual vibrations through the SME Series 309 Tonearm.

For more information: https://sme.co.uk/

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