Brinkmann Bardo, Raven 1, SME 10

Hi Pete,
Are you asking the question for academic reasons or thinking of buying an additional 'Table?

I'm surprised to hear the R1 is as expensive as this now (would have expected closer to $4-5K). Sure it wasn't the AC you were thinking of?

These are 3 very different designs and will have characteristic sonic signatures. Very much a subjective choice.

Hello Moonglum,

I'm asking for academic reasons which was not clear from my question. I have just read the review of the Bardo in Stereophile, my friend owns the Raven 1 and I own the SME 10 with the SME V arm. From the superficial appearance they would seem to be similar with the exception of the Direct Drive of the Bardo. I mean they are suspensionless, medium mass, skeletal designs selling for $8-10K (I think), so I'm curious if they sound strikingly different from each other. I realize it would be difficult to separate the influence of the arm, cartridge, and cable and then set up each one optimally with loading etc. I guess I'm also a bit curious if a potential buyer could even find an opportunity to directly compare these tables to each other.

I'm just curious, that's all. I have no immediate plans to upgrade my TT.

I've lots of listening experience with the SME 10, but with the standard Model 10 arm. I've also heard the Bardo. The SME, in my opinion, suffers from price inflation--the same SME 10 sold for $6K just a few years ago. That said, I do like that 'table and I'm sure yours sounds better with an SME V on it, although I think you'd get more out of your arm on a better table.

The Bardo has much more on the bottom end and just "rocks" more than the SME 10. Of course, it's DD so that's maybe no huge surprise. I suppose the SME is a bit more airy and delicate sounding (some would say "less exciting.")

I've never heard the Raven. The Bardo is worth seeking out--it may or may not be your cup of tea, but a very cool table nonetheless.