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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.
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MODEL 12 PRECISION TURNTABLE INSTRUCTIONS This is no ordinary turntable. These instructions include unpacking, set up, specifications and operation. Please read carefully.
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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. •...
1. CONTENTS Page Introduction Dimensions & Weights Drive System Speed Range Packing List Parts Identification - Turntable Unpacking Setting Up - Turntable Power Cable Connections Operation - Turntable Operation - Playing a Record 15 Operation - Tonearm Maintenance Transit Precautions Guarantee Appendix...
2. INTRODUCTION The SME Model 12 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 system to be fully explored.
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. Right RCA Phono Output 5. Earth Post - Motor 2. Left RCA Phono Output 4. Motor 6. Earth Post - Turntable...
8. UNPACKING Unpack and check all items against the packing list in Section 7. H aving opened the packing box carefully lift upwards the top section high density foam module which covers the turntable/ tonearm unit. Lift out the turntable lifting from under the main chassis (bottom of turntable). The turntable should be sited on a substantial table or strong audio stand which must be capable of supporting the turntable weight. W ith the turntable sited lift the left side of the turntable to gain access to the motor transit screw which secures (clamps) the motor to the main chassis.
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 4 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. Drive Belt 1. P lace the drive belt over the large driven pulley and stretch over the motor pulley. Slowly turn the driven pulley to allow the drive belt to take up its natural running position. 2. R otate the driven pulley by hand to ensure the drive belt is positioned correctly and rotating freely.
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A push ON/OFF switch is located on the rear of the power supply unit. IMPORTANT The mains voltage setting is indicated on the rear panel of the power unit. Before fitting the mains power cable check carefully that this matches your mains voltage. Tonearm Set Up The Model 12 is equipped with a factory fitted tonearm. The mounting base can accommodate SME tonearms, Model 309, Series IV and Series V. Refer to the tonearm instruction manual for set up procedures.
10. 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.
11. OPERATION - TURNTABLE The Model 12 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.
12. 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. 13. OPERATION - TONEARM...
15. TRANSIT PRECAUTIONS The Model 12 can be safely transported, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS: Short journeys by car: remove the platter, disengage the drive belt from the motor pulley and replace the motor transit screw. The platter and other items can be stowed separately provided they are carefully protected. For all other transportation purposes the original packing case and materials must be used.
16. GUARANTEE Your SME Model 12 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 appearing 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.
BS EN 62368-1:2014 International Safety Standard. For the purposes of testing the SME Model 12 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...
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SME LIMITED STEYNING WEST SUSSEX ENGLAND • • •...
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