SME Model 15 MK2 Turntable: Sonic Excellence Redefined
 
The MK2 Model 15 takes its inspiration from the Model 20 with its high-density construction but with a compact footprint. In seeking to emulate the engineering excellence of its bigger brother, the Model 15 is a precision turntable delivering a dynamic audio performance. The new highly advanced drive system provides significantly improved speed control, accuracy and stability, the Model 15 just got better.
 
Construction:
 
The MK2 Model 15 is a precision turntable made to exacting engineering standards for high performance. The chassis and sub-chassis are CNC machined from premium grade aluminium billet. The sub-chassis suspended suspension system provides definitive resonance control and houses the main bearing, platter and tonearm. Three fully adjustable feet are mechanically de-coupled from the main chassis by isolators providing base resonance control.
The main spindle is 19mm (3/4″) precision machined from high chrome tool steel, ground, super finished and supported in a sealed housing with individually fitted sintered bronze bearings of generous proportions needed for precise bearing and platter rotation.
 
Designed with simplicity of operation that has come to be expected from all SME turntables, the Model 15 is engineered and precision made from the finest materials and to the strictest tolerances contributing to an outstanding musical performance. It’s clever styling makes it a credible addition to any sound system which will astound and amaze listeners for many years.
 
Suspension:
 
The Model 15 sub-chassis is suspended on 30 purpose made suspension rings and weighs together with the platter more than 11kg (24lb), thus meeting all the requirements of high-density construction required to enable a dynamic sound free from colouration.
 
Damping:
 
Sub-chassis motion is controlled by a central fluid damper which offers a resistive ground path for acoustic signals, eliminates overshoot and gives almost zero ‘Q’ recovery.
 
Platter:
 
The platter is machined from aluminium alloy and weighs over 4.6kg (10lb). The platter is extensionally dampened and the top surface iso-damp is diamond-turned with a fine scroll for acoustic performance. This method of finishing upsets a myriad of tiny fibres which Interface with the underside of the vinyl record. A substantial record clamp operating on the reflex principle ensures the largest possible platter contact even when appreciable record warp is present.
 
Motor:
 
The Model 15 turntable is driven by a custom made bi-phase AC synchronous motor controlled by a highly advanced speed control unit providing precise speed accuracy and stability. The motor conforms to the highest standards of silent running.
 
Speed Control:
 
The Speed Control Unit uses a dedicated DSP engine to generate two independent pure mathematical sine waves which provide total control of frequency, phase relationship and amplitude. These in turn are matched (tuned) to the motor for accuracy to obtain the best possible performance.
The speed range is 33.33 and 45 rpm with independent memory settings via a switched encoder. Fine pitch speed increments/decrements of +/-0.01% of the selected speed are made by a rotary control on the Speed Control Unit fascia. The SCU case is CNC machined from billet polymer resin.
 
Power Unit:
 
A remotely separate mains Power Unit keeps the transformer well away from the Speed Control Unit and importantly away from the audio signal cables.
 
The high-performance Model 15 is available with three SME tonearm options of Series 309, Series IV, Series V. All tonearm options come complete with internal Crystal Cable wiring as standard.