Brinkmann Bardo

Answer to Homosapien - I brought my own tonarm and cartridges to be completely fair. New Ortofon AS-212s with 3 Ortofon LH-9000 headshells, one with a very low hour Micro Acoustics 2002e, one with a low hour Clearaudio Maestro Wood, and one with a low hour Ortofon 2M Black. Both tables set up using a Freikert alignment protractor, VTF set to exactly 1.25g for Micro Acoustics, 2.2g for the Clearaudio, and 1.5g for the Ortofon 2M via digital scale, VTA and azimuth set at level by using 2 Millennium turntable cartridge alignment blocks (http://www.m-puck.de/interanlageblockseite.htm). Both TT's leveled (at separate times) on same platform connected to the same sound (tube) system. In general, the Brinkmann to me seemed to have more toe tapping, Artemis seemed to me to have that too but gave a more emotional and natural presentation.

To homosapien, forgot to mention both TT's speed was checked and adjusted using a KAB speed strobe.

Best Regards

Dear Wjsamx, That has to be the most well controlled and precise comparison of two turntables that I have ever read about. If only audiophile publications would ever do as good a job. In the end, your opinion is subjective, but at least YOU know that the differences you heard must arise from differences in the two turntables.

Someone asked about the differences between the Bardo and the GP Monaco. The Monaco has an incredibly elaborate motor control system and uses a very expensive motor, but beyond that you probably can find the info on the GP website. One question would be whether the Monaco motor is coreless, etc. Obviously, the two tables differ in platter mass and construction and in overall mass. I would expect them to sound different.

I am considering the Bardo with the Granite base and the upgraded power supply. I am also considering the Sota Millenia with vacuum. Has anyone compared the two? do you have a preference?

thanks, Brian

Just caught this thread, and read with great interest. Kudos to all, especially the automobile/turntable analogy. Just wanted to comment, and perhaps revive this thread.