The MK2 Model 30 is a unique precision turntable of uncompromising quality and engineering excellence. Once independently judged as ‘the best turntable of all time. Construction is heavy mass; dampening is extensional and non-vibration from moving parts ensures excellent dynamics and pitch stability. A new sophisticated drive system provides a significant advancement in speed control and accuracy, transforming the new generation Model 30 into a new league.
The moving parts of a fine turntable are of paramount importance. The spindle of the Model 30/2 is 170.5 mm long and 19 mm diameter. The massive sealed housing and individually fitted sintered bronze bearings in which the spindle runs are also of the generous proportions needed to ensure that the 330mm diameter platter weighing 7kg is adequately supported. The Model 30/2’s excellent dynamics and pitch stability are largely the result of the immense care taken in the design and execution of these components.
Arm
SME have built pick-up arms for more than fifty-five years and the design and engineering experience gained has been applied in the Model 30 MK2, a precision turntable created to compliment the SME Series V regarded by many as: ‘the best pick-up arm in the world’. Dowels ensure positional accuracy so that if more than one arm is in use the arm mounting plinth can be quickly interchanged.
Suspension
No sonic footprint, the sub-chassis is hung on one hundred and twenty strands of rubber in the form of sixty purpose moulded ‘O’ rings. An ingenious method of anchorage allows them to be removed or replaced instantly.
Damping
Sub-chassis motion is disciplined by four fluid dampers, one in each of the supporting columns. These eliminate overshoot and give almost zero Q recovery. The isolation needed to prevent acoustic feedback is bridged by the resistive coupling of the damping fluid through which unwanted reacted energy is conducted away to ‘ground’. This function is adjustable through trimmers which can be used in conjunction with a gauge to give recommended settings or varied to suit individual conditions.
Platter
The 30/2 platter has a substantial 13″ diameter and weighs 17 lbs. The face is machined with a fine scroll found to interface better than a plain surface. A substantial reflex clamp ensures maximum contact with the platter even when severe record warp is present. The sub-chassis/arm mounting board interface is extensionally damped and the mounting board is reversible to allow mounting of nine inch pick-up arms when necessary.
Motor
The turntable is driven by a 3 phase, brushless outrunner motor with 8-pole Neodymium magnets and 3 integrated Hall effect sensors and virtually vibrationless by reason of its 5.5 lb. weight as well as being isolated on urethane mounts that are adjustable for accurate belt positioning.
Speed Control
The electronic controller uses a high performance microprocessor, optimized for motor control. Closed loop speed control is implemented using a proportional plus integral (PI) algorithm. Fine pitch speed adjustment allows increments/decrements of +/-0.01% of selected speed. Speed ranges: 33.3, 45 & 78 rpm.
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions: 12.7″ x 10″ x 6.2″
Net weight: 92 lbs
Shipping weight: 128 lbs