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Summary of Contents for SME 15
- Page 1 MODEL 15 INSTRUCTIONS...
- Page 2 SME is an iconic brand founded in 1946 by audio legend Alastair Robertson-Aikman in West Sussex, England. Today SME is recognised as makers of the finest precision turntables and tonearms in the world. Entirely made in-house with state of the art manufacturing processes, complemented by traditional craftsmanship methods.
- Page 3 MODEL 15 PRECISION TURNTABLE INSTRUCTIONS This is no ordinary turntable. These instructions cover unpacking, set up, specifications and operation. Please read carefully.
- Page 4 Warning! Important Safety Instructions CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE POWER UNIT COVERS. CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE POWER UNIT OR SPEED CONTROL UNIT COVER. THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. •...
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Page 5: Table Of Contents
1. CONTENTS Page Introduction Dimensions & Weights Drive System Speed Range Packing List Parts Identification - Turntable Unpacking Setting Up - Turntable Setting Up - Tonearm Power Cable Connections Operation - Turntable Operation - Playing a Record Operation - Tonearm Maintenance Transit Precautions Guarantee Appendix... -
Page 6: Introduction
2. INTRODUCTION The SME Model 15 precision turntable is built to exacting engineering standards providing reliability and freedom from critical adjustments. Build integrity, sophisticated electronics and vibration free moving parts allow the full capabilities of any sound to be fully explored. -
Page 7: Dimensions & Weights
18.73 (41.29) Power Unit 4.04 (8.90) Speed Control Unit 2.52 (5.55) Shipping 29.1 (64.15) 4. DRIVE SYSTEM The turntable is driven by a custom made bi-phase AC synchronous motor. 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 output driver stage is a 2 channel, class AB Bi-polar... -
Page 8: Packing List
PACKING LIST Qty Description Model 15 Turntable ....Tonearm ....Speed Control Unit Power Unit – 100V 115V 230V Power Cable – UK LEMO Power Cables Drive Belt Syringe of Bearing Oil Platter Stroboscopic Disc Oil Filler Adaptor (fitted) Oil Filler Box Spanner Record Clamp Record Spindle Washer Suspension Height Setting Gauge Stylus Guard M3x12 Cap Screws (fitted) 3mm Hex Handle Wrench 4mm Hex Wrench Tonearm Tool Kit Guarantee Card Tonearm Instruction Manual Model 15 Instruction Manual... -
Page 9: Parts Identification - Turntable
7. PARTS IDENTIFICATION - TURNTABLE Suspension Transit Screws (x2) Tonearm Mounting Plate Motor Pulley Pulley Transit Screws (x4) Jacking Screws Suspension Adjustment Point - 3mm Hex Wrench Record Turntable Spindle Upper Gallery Spindle Driven Pulley Drive Belt Washer Cover Platter Suspension M3x12 Bands Cap Screws Lower Gallery Cover Sub-Chassis Column... - Page 10 7. PARTS IDENTIFICATION - TURNTABLE (continued) 1. Speed Control Unit 5. Platter Stylus Guard 2. Power Button 6. Record Clamp 10. Sub Chassis 3. Rotary Speed Control Tonearm 11. Main Chassis Air Vents Headshell 12. Adjustable Foot 1. S peed Control Unit Input 3. Earth Post - Turntable 5. Motor 2. Left RCA Phono Output 4. Right RCA Phono Output 6. Earth Post - Motor...
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Page 11: Unpacking
8. UNPACKING Unpack and check all items against the packing list on Page 8. T he turntable should be placed on a substantial table or strong audio stand, this should be in its final position for setting up, as movement after this procedure is best avoided. T he adjustable feet allow for two methods of interface with the mounting surface. a) A s received on rubber insert pads set into the underside of the feet. b) S tainless steel balls also set into the underside of the feet. WARNING: Method (b) is not suitable for delicate surfaces as indentation damage may be caused. I f hard mounting the turntable on the stainless steel balls is preferred, proceed as follows: a) P osition the base so that one of the supporting feet overhangs the table by about 10cms, unscrew and remove that foot. - Page 12 8. UNPACKING (continued) R emove the syringe from its packaging and insert the syringe tip into the oil filler adaptor, which will be found already fitted to near the spindle (as illustrated). S lowly inject the complete quantity of oil into the bearing housing maintaining downward pressure throughout the operation to prevent leakage. Oil Syringe Oil Filler Adaptor Spindle R emove the syringe and dispose of it responsibly. 10. U nscrew and remove the oil filler adaptor using the box spanner tool. Retain the adaptor for possible future use.
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Page 13: Setting Up - Turntable
9. SETTING UP - TURNTABLE Levelling W ith the use of a spirit/bubble level ensure that the main chassis (lower chassis) is level in the lateral and longitudinal planes. The 3 feet are height adjustable and can be used to achieve a level chassis. When adjusting the feet it is recommended to slightly lift the chassis adjacent to the foot being adjusted. This aides ease of rotation of the foot and prevents the foot rubber pad binding. Transit Locks F or transit the suspension is locked (secured) by two screws; these are accessible through holes in the driven pulley. The transit screws should be turned anti-clockwise with the supplied 4mm hex wrench and removed. T he main bearing is off-loaded by four pulley transit screws. These are captive and should be turned anti-clockwise with the 3mm ball-ended hex wrench until they stop. Ensure the wrench is fully engaged to avoid damage to the transit screw socket (see page 9, transit screws). - Page 14 9. SETTING UP - TURNTABLE (continued) I f it is desired to increase sub-chassis isolation because of unusually close proximity to the speakers the recommended suspension height clearance of 3.5mm can be reduced to 2mm. This lowers the spindle/bearing housing deeper into the dampening bath and subsequently increases the dampening action. Power Unit & Speed Control Unit T he power unit is connected to the speed control unit and turntable by way of the connection cables (Section 16) with LEMO connectors. The cables cannot be confused as they carry a different number of pins which are purposely configured to observe both safety and miss-identification. The cables are identified as A and B. 1. Connection Cable A - Power Unit Output to Speed Control Unit Input 2. Connection Cable B - Speed Control Unit Output to Turntable Input T he AC mains power cable is connected to the power unit AC input. A push ON/OFF switch is located on the rear of the power supply unit.
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Page 15: Setting Up - Tonearm
10. SETTING UP - TONEARM The Model 15 is equipped with a mounting base for SME tonearms, Model 309, Series IV and Series V. The tonearm manual provides installation, set up and operation information, including cartridge installation. Before fitting the tonearm ensure that the four socket cap screws holding the tonearm mounting plate to the sub-chassis are tight. The tonearm should now be secured... -
Page 16: Power Cable Connections
11. POWER CABLE CONNECTIONS Right RCA Phono Output Left RCA Phono Output Power Unit Speed Control Unit AC Power Cable Connection Cable ‘A’ Connection Cable ‘B’ NOTE: Mains power must be off when connecting and disconnecting Cables A and B. -
Page 17: Operation - Turntable
12. OPERATION - TURNTABLE The Model 15 precision turntable is partly run-in before leaving the factory but will benefit and improve after a few weeks of use. Do not worry if initially the bearing is not totally silent. A slight ‘swish’ barely audible at very close range in a silent room will quickly disappear after use of the turntable. If you should wish to check the speed settings and make your own adjustments the procedure is as follows: M ains Power: the power ON/OFF button is located on the rear of the power unit. With power ON the last used speed indicator LED light will illuminate on the speed control unit fascia. -
Page 18: Operation - Playing A Record
13. OPERATION - PLAYING A RECORD Place the record spindle washer on the spindle followed by the record and clamp. The clamp should be screwed down clockwise enough to deflect the record flat into firm contact with the platter. With a fingertip, tap the record in three places equally over its surface and with a little practice it will soon become evident whether or not the record is touching the platter. If not, some further tightening of the clamp may be necessary. 14. OPERATION - TONEARM W ith the control lever in the raised position move the tonearm out of the armrest and position the tonearm so that the stylus is over the selected record groove. -
Page 19: Maintenance
15. MAINTENANCE T here are no critical adjustments or need for ‘tweak’ and only very little maintenance. Clean the drive belt occasionally by drawing it through a piece of soft tissue or linen moistened with lighter fuel. The same material may be used to clean the periphery of the motor and driven pulleys. T he suspension dampening bath is automatically sealed when the sub-chassis is locked down and does not require maintenance. R eplace the drive belt after 1000 hours use. A replacement belt is available from SME. T he life of the suspension bands will depend on climatic conditions. If eventually they should stretch beyond further adjustment, replacements are available from SME. C hanging the suspension bands is simple. Unscrew and remove the upper gallery cover from the top of the suspension column and lift off the lower gallery cover. Remove the old band(s) and attach the new band(s) onto the anchor studs. Replace the covers and re-check... -
Page 20: Transit Precautions
16. TRANSIT PRECAUTIONS The Model 15 can be safely transported, SUBJECT ABSOLUTELY TO THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS: Short journeys by car: remove the platter, disengage the drive belt from the motor pulley, and replace the two packing strips beneath the motor and secure with the motor transit screw. Lock down the suspension. Screw down the four driven pulley transit screws not more than one turn, just enough to prevent the pulley rotating freely. The turntable itself is best placed on the floor of the car in front of the passenger seat. The platter and other items can be stowed elsewhere provided they are carefully protected. For all other transportation purposes the original packing case and materials must be used. -
Page 21: Guarantee
17. GUARANTEE Your SME Model 15 turntable is guaranteed against faulty material and workmanship. The nominal period of the guarantee is 24 months but is liberally interpreted at SME’s discretion subject to the following conditions being observed: A ny matter arising must in the first instance be reported to SME at the address below. D o not return the turntable or any part thereof to SME unless requested to do so. S ME Limited will not accept liability for any items until they reach the factory safely. Any parts found to be faulty will be replaced free of charge. Return transport and insurance costs will be charged. The guarantee expressly excludes: (a) Damage by any cause. (b) Contingent and third party liability. (c) Personal injury. N o alteration or variation of the guarantee will be recognised by SME. -
Page 22: Appendix
BS EN 62368-1:2014 International Safety Standard. For the purposes of testing the SME Model 15 Turntable was used with the high quality interconnects supplied as standard equipment. Compliance with the above standards may only be made if the unit is installed as per this instruction manual and using the correct cables. SME Limited · Mill Road · Steyning · West Sussex · BN44 3GY · England Printed in Steyning England... - Page 24 SME LIMITED STEYNING WEST SUSSEX ENGLAND • • •...
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