SME ModEl 15 nEw for 2015

SME describes its new Model 15 as the ‘ ultimate in recovery vehicles’, claiming that it allows the cartridge to retrieve ‘ the last nth of recorded material whether, digital or analogue, from the vinyl disc and thus approaches the ultimate in perfection.’ Although modelled closely on SME’s Model 10 precision turntable, SME says the Model 15 ‘ seeks to emulate the excellence of Models 20/3 and 30/2 turntables whilst retaining the more compact footprint preferred by many enthusiasts.’ As usual, the SME Model 15 is built with the same attention to detail audiophiles have come to expect from SME products. ‘ Its superb performance together with conservative styling make it a sophisticated addition to any sound system that will astound and amaze listeners for years to come,’ said Warwick Freemantle, of Pure Music Group, which distributes SME in Australia. ‘ Its subchassis is suspended on thirty O-Rings and a central fluid damper controls sub-chassis motion and offers a resistive ground path for acoustic signals, eliminating overshoot and resulting in almost zero-Q recovery, all requirements on which freedom from colouration depends.’

The suspension of the SME Model 15 is adjustable via trimming screws and the 4.6kg extensionally damped platter is machined from aluminium. A reflex clamp is provided to counteract record warps and maximise platter contact with the record surface. Drive is provided by a 3-phase brushless outrunner inductance motor with electronic closed-loop speed control that can deliver platter rotational speeds of 33.3, 45 and 78rpm, with a ±0.01% fine speed pitch adjustment. The arm mountings suit all SME 228.6mm (9-inch) and 254mm (10-inch) tonearms. Each SME Model 15 measures 428×378×176mm (WDH) and weigh 18.5kg. ‘ Thanks to Pure Music Group’s philosophy of parity pricing, the Model 15 basic turntable is available here in Australia for $9,990, while the Model 15A with matching SME 309 SPD arm sells for just $12,690,’ Freemantle told Australian Hi-Fi Magazine. ‘ This pricing closely mirrors current UK prices and offers exceptional value for a turntable system of this calibre.’ For further information, please contact Pure Music Group on (04) 0950 4805 or visit www.puremusicgroup.com