Sme new platter material???

http://www.sme.ltd.uk/content/Turntables-1309.shtml

It's still the Isodamp material, just another color.

I didn't believe this, so I took a look. Yep all black. I had a SME 20/2 for years. It's a great table. I suspect this is more than cosmetic...

Just phoned SME it is cosmetic in that their supplier of the isodamp material no longer produces it in the mustard colour.

Looks quite cool I think, may have to get my model 20 platter recovered.

Jonathan.

Jrmanders - I have heard through the grapevine that there will be a major upgrade to the model 20 this fall although I have not heard the particulars. Stay tuned.

Yes I have also heard the same thing. Think it will be a new model though, no retro fit.

Hai rgurney , what upgrade only to the table or also the V arm , you brought me in doubt as i just ordered one , sme 20 /2a.
If its merely cosmetic(remoddeling after a while ) than who cares but you say "major" can you say some more.

Hai to you too. Just quoting the best SME dealer in the UK, noted on the website. The upgrade mentioned was to the 20 model table, not any particular arm. I have no details regarding the actual upgrade. Check with SME.

Hai rgurney i got your message/link thanks, i had my dealer contact sme this morning , he said its gonna get a upgrade although not a drastic one , it does however has a increase in price also , im in doubt know, its been in this form already long on the market and not by mistake i reckon .
Should i go for a sure classic or take a risk and go for the mk 3,......

Has anyone compared the SME tables to similarly priced competition lately? I'm curious about all of the interest in direct drive tables. Also, has anyone ever tried a different mat, platter or clamping device on an SME?

Hi Peter, you may know this, but I recently sold my SME 20/2a SME IV.Vi and went to a Grand Prix Audio Monaco table and Triplanar arm.

I feel this combo definitely betters the SME in the PRaT area. Piano notes hit with more authority and sustain for instanace. The timing seems more precise in a hard to explain way. Noise floor is also lower allowing more details etc to emerge.

Now the SME is still very good and it presents a cohesiveness to the sound that is alluring. Also a "wetness" to each note.

Now I've never heard a SME 30/2 or 30/12, maybe there better tables improve things.

I never tried any different clamps/mat's etc on my SME. I did try several power cords and isolation...which did help quite a bit.

One of these days, maybe if I win a lottery, I'd love to have a SME 30/12. And keep my direct drive as well...

I cancelled the sme 20 /2 order and signed in for the upgraded sme 20/2a, its a gamble but it is the latest technology and i trust sme for not producing gimmicks to sell things .
Im curious