I have an older SME20 (Number 4xx). No problems with starting or speed. As it has been said the xxA models are delivered with tonearms. The 20 with a special version of the SME V. Special being gold marings on the arm. The upgrade to 20/2 was done partly because the 20 didn't pass the new demands in EU for purity of power and circuits. The old one was delivered by Stax, the new one AFAIK is made by SME. At the same they changed the motor a.o. to better use the new power supply.
Best regards
Best regards