SME Model 15 Turntable With SME 309 Arm and New Sumiko Starling

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Super clean and complete Model 15 fitted with the tried and true model 309 tonearm *PLUS* a brand new Sumiko Starling Low Output MC (Moving-Coil) phono cartridge.

The model 15 utilizes an external power supply with pushbutton selection of 33, 45, and 78 RPM.

Expertly calibrated here in our shop via our 12-step process and ready to use upon unboxing. You can also choose from our large Sumiko cartridge inventory or supply your own and we will mount and calibrate.

(SkyFi Audio is an official Sumiko "Handmade in Japan" phono cartridge dealer with access to every cartridge available).

In superb condition throughout with no significant signs of wear or use.

Your purchase also includes the original box and original packing materials, tools, and calibration accessories.

More from SME:

The Model 15 could be described as “the ultimate in recovery vehicles”, allowing the cartridge to retrieve the last iota of recorded material whether digital or analogue, from the vinyl disc and approaching the ultimate in perfection.

Receiving its inspiration from the superb Model 10 precision turntable, the Model 15 seeks to emulate the excellence of our Models 20/3 & 30/2 turntable whilst retaining the more compact footprint preferred by many of our enthusiasts.

“Its bass performance was nimbler, and its top end airier, I rate this combo a complete success.” Michael Fremer, Stereophile

“The Model 15 has very little character of its own, which means that it can reveal an awful lot about the records it spins. Build quality is in another league to the vast majority of turntables because so few manufacturers have the engineering facilities that a company which provides precision engineering to the aerospace and medical industries can offer.”– Jason Kennedy, Hi-Fi+

“The world is awash with delightful turntables at all price points, but this is the world’s best deck below [$15,000].”– Ken Kessler, Hi-Fi News

“In many ways this SME is one of the most impressive products we’ve had in our rooms in years. There’s no questioning the build or engineering – it really is second-to-none in these respects. Having visited the factory, we can testify to the care taken in getting every nut and bolt of this deck made to the highest standards.”– What Hi-Fi?

Description:

The Model 15 has been designed with the same attention to detail combined with simplicity of operation that has come to be expected from all SME products. Its superb performance together with laid back styling make it a glamorous addition to your sound system that will astound and amaze listeners for many years to come.

The main spindle is 19 mm (3/4″) machined from high chrome tool steel, it is ground, super finished and supported in a sealed housing with individually fitted sintered bronze bearings of generous proportions needed to support the platter.

Designed to compliment the Model 309 tonearm.

SUSPENSION

The Model 15 sub-chassis is suspended on 30 purpose moulded ‘O’ rings and weighs, together with the platter, more than 11.0 kg (24 lbs), thus meeting all the requirements of high density construction that is required to maintain freedom from colouration.

DAMPING

Controlled by a central fluid damper which controls the sub-chassis motion, offers a resistive ground path for acoustic signals, eliminates overshoot and gives almost zero ‘Q’ recovery.

PLATTER

Machined from aluminium alloy and weighs over 4.6 kg (10 lbs). It is extensionally damped, the top surface being diamond-turned with a fine scroll. This method of finishing contacts a myriad of tiny fibres with the underside of the record, firmly coupling it to the platter. A substantial reflex clamp ensures the largest possible platter contact even when an appreciable record warp is present.

MOTOR

The turntable is driven by a 3 phase, brushless outrunner motor with 8-pole Neodymium magnets and 3 integrated Hall effect sensors and virtually vibrationless by reason of its 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) weight as well as being isolated on urethane mounts that are adjustable for accurate belt positioning.

SPEED CONTROL

The electronic controller uses a high performance microprocessor, optimised for motor control. Closed loop speed control is implemented using a proportional plus integral (PI) algorithm. Fine pitch speed adjustment allows increments/decrements of +/-0.01% of selected speed. Speed ranges: 33.3, 45 & 78 rpm.

POWER

Mains voltages available are 90-110V, 105-125V and 220-240V 50/60 Hz. Please specify when ordering.

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Dimensions: 428 x 378 x 176mm

Net weight: 18.5 kg (40 lbs)

Shipping weight: 24.2 kg (53 lbs)

MANUAL

Download Model 15 Manual