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

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.

The TAS review of the 20/3 also mentions an improvement from the new black platter mat material and some differences in the suspension towers and main bearing improvement. I also had thought it was just a thicker platter and chassis, but there is more to the 20/3 than that. My sense is that it is considerably closer in performance to the 30 now, but at $14,000 it is MUCH less expensive. It is probably, THE value in the SME line. I would like to hear it.