SME Model 12 turntable
High-end turntables · 2015–present In production
$15,599 US reference price
SME Model 12 is a current belt-drive, manual operation, 33/45 rpm playback high-end turntable. The US reference price is $15,599.
Decision snapshot
The five things to check first
- Plays
- 33/45 rpm
- System hookup
- Phono input or preamp needed
- Cueing
- Manual cueing
- Stylus path
- Fitment not yet resolved
- Buying status
- Current model
Setup bottom line: Budget for a phono input or separate phono preamp as well as amplification and speakers. Check model-specific stylus evidence →
A single-tower high-mass SME with a damped aluminium platter and the option of a 12-inch arm. Sold in the US as the Model 12 Mk2 (w/ 309 tonearm).
Model history: SME introduced the Model 12 as the direct replacement for its discontinued entry-level Model 10, sharing the same power supply, motor, and isolation system but adding a more substantial chassis and subchassis, a higher-specification main bearing, and a heavier platter.
Checked against the manufacturer’s site: 2026-07
Who it suits
Best suited to: an established system where the amp, speakers and room can resolve what this deck retrieves from the groove. Less ideal for: a first turntable — the same budget goes much further spent on mid-range separates first.
Compatibility and setup
- Manual operation: you cue and lift the tonearm by hand at the start and end of each side — there’s no auto-return or auto-lift.
Good to know
- No built-in phono stage — use an amplifier with a phono input or add a separate phono preamplifier.
- Sold without a cartridge fitted — budget for a compatible cartridge and setup before first use.
- Professional setup of tracking force, alignment, azimuth and arm height is worth budgeting for at this level.
Specifications
| Drive | belt drive |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 33/45 rpm |
| Operation | manual |
| Cartridge included | sold bare |
| Built-in phono stage | No |
| USB output | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Platter | aluminium, damped |
| Tonearm | SME 309 / M2-12 |
| Dimensions | 370mm (W) x 178mm (H) x 350mm (D) [turntable only, height to top of tonearm] |
| Weight | 46.9 lb (21.26 kg) |
| Finishes | SME Black, Dark Grey, Dark Blue (with contrast detailing) |
| Warranty | 24 months standard; extendable to 5 years with product registration |
| Years | 2015–present |
How it sits in the catalogue
Its belt-drive mechanism is the majority choice in the database (151 of 183). On price it sits toward the top of its category — 78% of priced high-end decks cost less.
Cartridge and replacement stylus
The fitted cartridge is not mapped to a verified replacement part. See the model-specific stylus guidance →
Keep the evidence layers separate
Buying evidence for this model
- US reference price
- $15,599. A dated guide value for comparison, not an offer or availability claim.
- Live retailer offers
- No live offer feed is enabled for this model.
- Retailer links
- Brand or product routes to relevant US retailers; a search link is not a stock claim.
An internally verified exact identifier may improve offer matching, but it is not published as a catalogue fact unless independently corroborated. Always confirm the exact model, final price, delivery and returns with the retailer.
Where to buy the SME Model 12
1 US retailer stock SME — each outbound link searches the deck on that retailer’s site.
| Retailer | Type | Shipping | Product search |
|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | Search at eBay ↗ |