SME Model 15 Diamond Anniversary Turntable & 309 Tonearm
The SME Model 15A Diamond Anniversary turntable is a special edition release commemorating SME’s 75th anniversary, celebrating a legacy that began in 1946 and has since defined precision engineering in analogue audio.
Developed from the highly acclaimed Model 15 platform, the Diamond Series edition embodies SME’s hallmark approach to mechanical integrity, craftsmanship, and performance, combining advanced suspension engineering with refined cosmetic detailing.
The turntable is machine finished to highlight its precision engineering, with hand-finished detailing and distinctive black chrome accents that emphasise its clean lines and premium construction—an aesthetic and technical statement piece.
Key Features
- 75th Anniversary Diamond Series limited edition
- Based on the proven Model 15 high-performance platform
- Belt-drive system with electronic speed control
- Advanced suspended subchassis with fluid damping
- High-density aluminium chassis and subchassis construction
- Outboard power supply and motor control
- Supplied with SME 309 tonearm
- Precision bearing with hardened spindle and bronze housing
Engineering & Design
Suspended Subchassis Architecture
The Model 15 platform utilises a three-tower suspended subchassis system, employing multiple O-rings and damping elements to isolate the platter, bearing, and tonearm from external vibration and motor interference.
High-Mass Precision Construction
Both the chassis and subchassis are CNC-machined from aluminium billet, delivering high rigidity and excellent resonance control while maintaining a compact footprint.
Platter & Bearing Assembly
The aluminium platter (approx. 10 lbs / 4.5 kg) is diamond-machined for optimal record contact and is supported by a precision spindle running in sintered bronze bearings, ensuring smooth and stable rotation.
Drive System
The turntable employs a belt-drive system with a microprocessor-controlled motor and external power supply, allowing precise speed selection (33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM) with fine adjustment capability.
SME 309 Tonearm
The SME 309 tonearm is derived from the design principles of the flagship Series V, offering high performance with greater versatility.
Key Characteristics
- 9-inch tonearm (effective length approx. 232 mm)
- One-piece magnesium arm tube with internal damping
- Detachable magnesium headshell for easy cartridge changes
- Precision bearing assembly for low friction and stability
- Adjustable geometry via SME sliding base system
The 309 combines rigidity, low resonance, and user-friendly adjustability, making it suitable for a wide range of cartridges.
Specifications
Turntable – Model 15A Diamond Series
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drive System | Belt drive |
| Motor | Microprocessor-controlled, external power supply |
| Speeds | 33⅓, 45, 78 RPM |
| Speed Adjustment | Fine adjustment (±0.1%) |
| Suspension | 3-tower, O-ring suspended subchassis with fluid damping |
| Platter | Aluminium alloy (~4.5 kg) |
| Bearing | High-chrome steel spindle, sintered bronze housing |
| Construction | CNC-machined aluminium chassis and subchassis |
Tonearm – SME 309
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Pivoted tonearm |
| Effective Length | 232.32 mm |
| Pivot to Spindle Distance | 215.35 mm |
| Construction | Magnesium arm tube |
| Headshell | Detachable magnesium |
| Design Origin | Derived from SME Series V architecture |
The SME Model 15A Diamond Anniversary with SME 309 tonearm is a celebration of engineering heritage and analogue excellence, combining proven mechanical design with refined aesthetics and modern precision.
It offers a level of build quality, isolation, and playback accuracy that firmly positions it within the upper echelon of high-end turntables—while the Diamond Series finish elevates it into a true collector’s piece.
R198,700.00
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