SME Model 12A MK2 with 309 Tonearm and Transrotor Figaro

SME Model 12A MK2: System tip from Hilko Samuels

For our system tip, Hilko Samuels has chosen the SME Model 12A MK2 turntable, equipped with the SME 309 tonearm and the Transrotor Figaro MC system. SME, founded in 1946 in southern England, can look back on almost 80 years of experience. In 1959, founder Alastair Robertson-Aikman developed the first SME tonearm, and in 1991 SME launched its first turntable, the Model 30. Today, SME is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality tonearms and turntables.

A well thought-out design for the best sound quality

The SME Model 12A MK2 is characterized by a sophisticated design in which the power supply and control unit are housed separately. An analog power supply with a toroidal transformer ensures stable and oversized voltage supply, which guarantees excellent sound quality. The separate placement prevents mechanical vibrations and electronic interference during scanning.

Precise speed control with DSP technology

The speed control is based on digital signal processing (DSP) and offers selectable speeds of 33 and 45 revolutions per minute with finely adjustable speed in steps of 0.01%. Switching and adjustment is done via a user-friendly controller, which offers a professional operating feel thanks to its precise clicks. Samuels praises: "The synchronization of the SME Model 12 reaches the level of a world-class direct drive."

SME engineering in every component

Every component of the SME Model 12A MK2 was developed by experienced SME engineers to ensure the best possible sound quality. A closer look shows that a turntable is much more than just a simple record player.

SME MODEL 12A MK2

MODEL 12 MK2

The Model 12 MK2 is developed according to the SME "Precision Engineering" principles and meets the highest demands in analogue music reproduction. The completely redesigned motor and control unit with external power supply enables ultra-precise adjustment and a new quality of stability in the drive.

The Model 12 MK2 is technically based on the SYNERGY model series, which has been highly praised by the trade press in many tests, but is delivered without the integrated phono stage and pickup system. Experienced analog enthusiasts can thus play to their individual preferences when selecting the individual components. Each individual component was developed by experienced SME engineers and manufactured to the strictest tolerances. The best workmanship, fine materials and the craftsmanship of trained hands form the foundation for years of musical enjoyment. The base of the Model 12 is made of solid aluminum and is milled in a complex and lengthy process on an ultra-precise high-tech 5-axis CNC machine in 120 minutes.

• Natural, open and dynamic sound
• High mass with small dimensions
• Decoupled chassis
• disc bearings with the tightest tolerances
• precision magnesium tonearm
• Crystal Cable Silver Wiring

The record player is delivered without a pickup. We would be happy to advise you on this.

Please contact us for your personal configuration.

Technical Information

record player

Width 370.0mm (14.57'), Depth 350.0mm (13.80'), Height 178.0mm (7.0') (incl. tonearm)

Plate diameter 304.0mm (11.97')

Spindle to Arm 215.35mm (8.48')

Net Weight 25.90Kg (571b)

power supply unit

Width 170mm (6.75') Depth 305mm (12.0') Height 68mm (2.65')

Transrotor Figaro cartridge (MC)

The Transrotor MC Figaro plays wonderfully and fantastically in all registers. It was designed for the best and most expensive drives.

Facts:

• Product: Transrotor Figaro
• Concept: Low-output MC cartridge, aluminum needle carrier, magnesium body, Vital-Line cut
• Tracking force: 1.5 – 2.0 g (recommended 1.8 g)
• Output power: 0.28 mV at 1 kHz
• Needle compliance: 16 mm/N
• recommended termination resistance: 100 Ohm
• Intrinsic resistance: 5 ohms
• Weight: 8.8 g
• Color: Black
• Other: Metal single puck included
• Warranty: 2 years