About SME
The company SME was founded in Great Britain in 1946 under the name "The Scale Model Equipment Company." Originally, as the name suggests, the company manufactured miniature models, but in the 1950s, the focus shifted to precision engineering. Primarily, parts for aviation and office machines were produced.
The company's founder, Alastair Robertson-Aikman, needed a tonearm for his own HiFi system, which led to the development of a suitable model. Since the prototype caused a very positive stir among friends, it was quickly produced commercially. Thus, in the same year, 1959, SME's first precision tonearm was launched. Later, a few turntables were also added. The company's name was changed to SME Limited to avoid limiting the range of products by the name.
Today, this traditional British manufacturer is a precision engineering company that produces high-end turntables and tonearms, as well as high-quality components for the aerospace industry and medical equipment.
The Model 15
At first glance, it's clear that the Model 15 was designed with great detail. At the same time, it impresses with timeless simplicity, which is characteristic of SME. Typically, the turntable is only available in black, matte aluminum, creates an almost techno-like impression, and weighs a proud 18.6 kg. The device is a sub-chassis turntable. This means that the lower chassis (the motor) is decoupled from the upper (i.e., the platter, platter bearing, and armboard). The motor itself is decoupled by rubber feet and bands and drives the sub-platter, which is located on the upper sub-chassis, via a flat rubber belt.
Usually, the sub-chassis sits on springs or similar damping elements. With the Model 15, however, it hangs on a total of thirty O-rings, which provide the decoupling. These were specially cast for this purpose and hang from towers positioned at a 120-degree angle to each other. The hanging contributes to a lowered center of gravity, which increases the turntable's stability. In addition, the bearing housing, which is attached to the upper sub-chassis, is located in a silicone oil bath, which also contributes to stability. This construction also ensures that even the last vibrations in the chassis are better dissipated.
With the help of the included hex key, the damper towers are height-adjustable, allowing the sub-chassis to be properly set up.
The platter rotates in a sintered bronze bearing bushing, while the turntable's 19 mm thick spindle is made of chrome. It is driven by a flat belt.
As for tonearms, the SME Model 15 accommodates 9- and 10-inch models. If you don't choose one from SME itself, you should make sure that there is an SME adapter for the respective tonearm. Also, attention must be paid to the weight of the tonearm. It is best to orientate oneself by those from SME itself.
In an additional box, there is the controller for the motor and the power supply. This, in turn, is monitored by three Hall sensors and has a total of three adjustable speeds, which can be set in very fine increments.
Nice bonus: The turntable comes with a dust cover to protect the device when not in use.
And the sound?
Regarding the sound of the Model 15, it can be said that it is incredibly balanced, stable, and commanding. The sound is free of interference and coloration, and great dynamics are conveyed without any nervousness. This can be attributed to the balanced tone. Even the bass range is exceptionally colorful. The turntable plays very warmly and with great resolution, the notes reach the listener precisely, creating the desired impression of a stage. This record player truly sounds impressive!
Conclusion
In addition to its numerous advantages, the SME Model 15 has a decisive benefit due to the combination of the oil bath and its heavy weight: regardless of whether it is placed on a wall shelf or a rack, which may in turn be on an unstable floor, the turntable behaves as impervious as a mass-loaded turntable. And this, despite it being a sub-chassis turntable. The excellent manufacturing quality of this turntable truly ignites analogue love.
You can listen to the SME Model 15 exclusively in Berlin at our store.
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