Albert Porters after market panzerholz plinths

The Walker/Technics test seems like it was one front end versus another front end and the group preferred one over the other. How is that invalid? They were not comparing arm vs. arm, or cart vs. cart, or table vs, table which would have been very difficult or impossible. I haven't read anything about the cables or phono amps used. The only conclusion I can draw from that test is that during those sessions, that group of experienced music lovers preferred one front end over the other. I don't even think it would be correct to deduce that the drive systems (DD vs belt) made the most difference in the test.

It would be interesting to hear from more people who have tried their DD tables with a solid plinth and then without one.

Interesting how certain products trounce in one system and are trounced in another.

One audiophile I know (outside of USA) has quite a few turntables and an extremely good syhstem. Walker Proscenium Black Diamond II , MS SX 8000II, Kuzma XL 4, MS SX 777 FV, Exclusive P3a, Technics Sp10 mk2 and Mk3 with and without SME 312S.

His best sounding table is the Walker. A lot better than his SP10 mk3. His best sounding DD table is the Exclusive P3a.

BTW, he is an avid audiophile and has no sales motives

cheers

Hi Downunder, I presume that the judgement of the relative merits of the turntables is completely subjective. Yes? (But what else can it be, really?) Can you disclose what type of system is in use? (Speakers, preamplifier, amplifier, etc.) Have you heard the various competitors and do you agree with the conclusion? Raul (and I) would also want to know what tonearms and cartridges are at play. With the P3 and the Walker, one is "limited" to the single built-on choices of tonearm, and by the same token those two tonearms cannot be used with any of the other tables. (I say limited in quotes, because in both cases the respective tonearms are superb, although very different from each other.) This hobby is so freakin' difficult. Interesting that the mighty Micro Seiki's are not in the top 2.

I don't even think it would be correct to deduce that the drive systems (DD vs belt) made the most difference in the test.

It would be reasonable, however. There is a great deal to be said for tight control of the platter's rotational velocity during difficult and dynamic passages. Many in our group promptly traded in their high end belt drives (Basis, VPI, etc.) for the Technics/heavy plinth combination and were rewarded with similar satisfying results. The resurgence in popularity of vintage direct drives is in no small way related to their performance in this regard.

John

Hi Lew

I think you may agree that once you have reached a certain level of quality, all relative merits are subjective and linked directly to one's room interaction, individual components, set up, tastes etc etc.

I have not heard any of the tables mentioned with the exception of my P3, hence I cannot comment on the relative rankings.
The gentlemen has no hidden agenda's and does not participate on audio websites, just an audiophile who has listened in his own system. He has the best offerings from companies like walker, allnic, atmosphere,cj,karan to name some.

my post was not to critique the relative rankings as absolute, just to indicate that there is no absolutes.

Lew, this hobby is not difficult, it is fun and a great way to enjoy music