Brand: SME
SME 312 refers to a specific type of cartridge stylus, which is commonly used in high-quality phono cartridges for vinyl record playback. SME stands for Sir Michael Merital, the British audio engineer who developed the technology behind this type of stylus in the late 1950s.The SME 312 is unique because it features a small, conical-shaped diamond mounted on a threaded tungsten carbide rod. The diamond itself is very small, typically measuring around 2.5 microns in height, and is carefully bonded onto the rod using a special adhesive.One characteristic of the SME 312 stylus is that it has a very low tracking force, meaning that it requires less weight to be applied to the grooves of a vinyl record in order to accurately reproduce the music. This is important because it helps to preserve the delicate grooves of the record, which can be easily damaged by too much weight.Additionally, the shape of the SME 312 stylus is specifically designed to minimize surface noise and distortion. The conical shape helps to reduce static electricity buildup and reduces the likelihood of picking up unwanted noises or vibrations.Overall, the SME 312 stylus is considered by many audiophiles to be one of the most accurate and detailed stylus options available, making it a popular choice for vintage and high-end turntables.