SME Model 12 Ex-Demo The SME Model 12 MK2 sits at a precise point in the SME range where serious engineering ambition meets genuine practicality — a high-mass precision turntable with a notably small footprint, built entirely in-house at SME to tolerances that leave nothing to chance. This ex-demonstration example has been used in our Norwich showroom and is now available at a reduced price — an opportunity to acquire a turntable of this calibre without the full new price. A Drive System Built Around Certainty The heart of the Model 12 MK2 is its all-new highly advanced drive system, centred on a custom-made bi-phase AC synchronous motor controlled by a dedicated speed control unit. That unit employs a DSP engine to generate two independent pure mathematical sine waves, giving total control over frequency, phase relationship and amplitude simultaneously. The result is speed accuracy and stability of a kind that removes one of the most persistent sources of distortion in analogue replay — and what you hear is a confidence in the music's foundation that you may not have known was missing until it is present. Precision Engineering, From the Ground Up The chassis and sub-chassis are CNC machined from premium-grade aluminium billet. The sub-chassis is suspended on an advanced isolation system for primary resonance control, and four fully adjustable feet are mechanically decoupled from the main chassis by isolators to address base resonance. The main spindle — 19mm, precision machined from high chrome tool steel, ground and super-finished — runs in a sealed housing with individually fitted sintered bronze bearings of generous proportions. Every part is made in-house at SME. The platter is machined from aluminium alloy, weighing over 4.6kg, extensionally dampened and diamond-turned with a fine scroll for acoustic performance. A substantial record clamp operating on the reflex principle ensures maximum platter contact even with appreciable record warp. An independent mains transformer and LEMO low-power cables keep the signal path clean from the outset. The Vi Tonearm and Crystal Cable Wiring The Model 12 MK2 comes complete with the SME Vi tonearm as standard, internally wired with Crystal Cable — the same wiring philosophy found in SME's flagship designs. The Vi is built on the same engineering principles that have made SME tonearms the reference of choice for cartridge manufacturers worldwide; its inclusion here is not a concession to cost but a recognition that the turntable and arm must be conceived together to extract the maximum from any cartridge you choose to mount. Who Is It For? This ex-demonstration SME Model 12 MK2 is for the serious analogue listener who wants to step into one of SME's precision turntables at a more accessible price point. If you would prefer a new example, the SME Model 12 MK2 is also available new from Martins Hi-Fi. For those considering a larger SME design, the SME Model 35 Turntable is available to audition at our showroom — we are well placed to help you understand where the differences lie and whether they are audible in your system. Buying from Martins Hi-Fi Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind. This ex-demonstration SME Model 12 MK2 is available to view and audition at our Norwich showroom. When you get in touch, you'll be speaking with Dave, Chris, and our product specialists — experienced specialists who can advise on this product and your whole system. Contact us at [email protected], call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.
