SME 20/12 with V 12 VS Sme 30/2

Hi where do you live?

I used to own a SME 20.2 and SME IV.Vi. I've read several reviews that took a stab at comparing the 20/12 and 30/2. Maybe check out a few reviews, a couple of trade magazines compared.

http://www.sme.ltd.uk/content/Model-2012-1458.shtml
http://www.sme.ltd.uk/content/Model-302-1339.shtml

I don't think you'll go wrong with either. From my ready the 20/12 is more fluid the 30/2 quieter and more dynamics/bass defintion...but both are good. I do think the reviews used the 312s arm vs the V12 on the 20/12. So not sure what that does to the diff.

Hopefully someone has experience with both and will chime in.

Good luck

The latest issue of Absolute Sound has a review of the latest version of the SME 20 Mk3 that states that it is much closer to the sound of the 30 so you might get some ideas from what they changed or even buy the new pieces to upgrade your model. I know it is quite a bit heavier now.

Manitunc - The changes to the SME 20 in the Mk3 version are solely those that give it more mass and weight - heavier, thicker chassis, subchassis, and platter. Otherwise it is the same design as the 30/2.

So, can the 20Mk2 be upgraded to 20Mk3?

Gordon - No, it cannot. The chassis, subchassis, and platter are different weights and thicknesses. You would be paying basically for most of the Mk3 without getting the whole table. SME does not make 'upgradable' products. You can only do that by buying a different model.