Where to buy

The Model 20/12 with 12-inch tonearm offers up to 20% improved performance over the Model 20 with the advantage of a much-reduced angular error distortion from the longer tonearm.

This precision turntable offers uncompromising quality and engineering excellence. The high mass, extensional dampening, ingenious suspension and intelligent acoustic treatment delivers audio excellence. A new highly sophisticated drive system provides a significant advancement in speed control, stability and accuracy

The Model 20/12 has superb instrument quality machining allied with fundamental physics, the higher the mass and stiffness of the body the less it will flex and vibrate; the duration of a vibration is shortened by advanced damping treatment. The Model 20/12 is effortless and efficient in addressing the problems of extraneous vibrations which emanate from numerous sources including air and structural vibration from loudspeakers, groove modulation, stray electrical fields and mechanical energy from moving parts.

Weighing approximately 36kg is significant in relation to its size as density matters. The main and sub-chassis plate thicknesses are 16mm and resists flexing at low frequencies whilst high frequency resonance is attenuated by efficient extensional damping.

The definitive performance Model 20/12 is available with the SME 300 Series 312S tonearm or the flagship SME Series V-12 tonearm. Both tonearm options are available in contrasting Silver Printed Detail or Gold Printed Detail. Crystal Cable internal wiring is standard equipment.

PRIMARY FEATURES
  • Exceptional Detail & Resolution
  • High Density Construction
  • Large Footprint
  • Suspended Suspension System
  • Fluid Damping System
  • Close Tolerance Precision Bearing
  • SME 12 Inch Tonearm Options
  • Crystal Cable Internal Wiring
  • Highly Advanced Drive System
  • Independent Mains Transformer
  • LEMO Low Power Cables
  • RCA or XLR Chassis Connectors
  • Inspired by the Model 30

Additional Information

Construction

The MK2 Model 20/12 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 and acoustically treated. The sub-chassis suspended suspension system provides definitive resonance control and houses the main bearing, platter and tonearm. Four fully adjustable feet are mechanically de-coupled from the main chassis by way of isolators.

The main spindle is 19mm in diameter, 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 rotational control.

Suspension

With no sonic footprint, the Model 20/12 sub-chassis is suspended on 40 purpose made suspension rings meeting all the requirements of high-density construction, enabling an exceptionally detailed resolution and uncoloured performance.

Damping

A large central fluid-damper disciplines sub-chassis movement with a pleasing sense of security when handling records on the platter, offering a resistive ground-path for acoustic signals. In addition to a cartridge’s electrical output, mirror image acoustic signals reacted in the tonearm and record, will pass into the sub-chassis during dissipation. However, the usual closed loop design does not address the problem of their differing phase, so in the Model 20/12 the structural interfaces concerned have received special attention to provide paths of the required impedance. This control of vibration is fundamental to the design of the Model 20/12 and goes a long way to explaining the stunning tonal and dynamic neutrality that it exhibits.

Platter

The platter is machined from aluminium alloy and weighs 6.5kg. Extensionally dampened and the top surface iso-damp mat 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 20/12 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 with machined aluminium fascia, chassis base and rear panel.

Power Unit

An independent mains Power Unit keeps the transformer separated from the Speed Control Unit and importantly away from the audio signal cables.

Tonearm Options

SME Series 300 – 312S Tonearm with Silver or Gold Printed Detail
SME Series V-12 available with Gold or Silver Printed Detail.

Dimensions & Weight

Turntable
Width: 520mm
Depth: 375mm
Height (top of tonearm): 174mm
 
Speed Control Unit
Width: 150mm
Depth: 295mm
Height: 82mm
 
Power Unit
Height: 82mm
Width: 188mm
Depth: 242mm
 
Platter: 325mm
 
Weight
Turntable: 36kg
Power Unit: 4.04kg
Speed Control Unit: 2.52kg