Brinkmann/Spiral Groove/TW Acustic Black Night...?


Hi,

I'm seriously considering one of these turntables at the moment, and I would truly appreciate any opinions regarding them related to sonics, reliability, flexibility, ease of use & maintenance etc.

The candidates are:

- Brinkmann Balance anniversary (turntable, 10.5 tonearm, Ti-cartridge, tube power supply, HRS-platform)

- Spiral Groove SG1 + Centroid tonearm

- TW Acustic Black Night + Raven 10.5 tonearm

The price for these setups (used or new) are quite similar when adding a cartridge within the 4-5000$ price range to the Spiral Groove and TW Acoustic tables. But, I can get the Black Knight + Raven 10.5 tonearm new at about the same price as the others used.

I'm using the Brinkmann Bardo today, which I believe is a very neutral and reliable table. But, to some degree it doesn't manage to engage me enough emotionally being rather correct and slightly sharp around the edges. What I'm looking for in an upgrade is first and foremost a more generous and musical presentation (warmth, scale, texture, body, flow) - more music and less hifi if you wish.

My taste in music is varied, but I tend to optimize my system based on what I listen to the most (sing- and songwriters), which means that the handling of voices, acoustical instruments and piano are critical.

So far, my gut feeling tells me that the TW Acoustics Black Night might be the answer partnered with the right cartridge.

Of the three, only the Brinkmann Balance is available locally for audition.

My phono is the Zanden 1200 MKIII. The rest of the system consists of an Aesthetix Callisto Eclipse (preamp), Karan KA M2000 (monos) and Sonus Faber Futura (speakers). Cabling is Nordost Valhalla (power) + Kubala Sosna Elation (interconnects).

Any inputs are most welcome!
128x128sidekick_i
I owned the Bardo and the only way it performs when it was on a Vibraplane (Dealer disclaimer) otherwise it was not engaging at all. When I sold the Bardo the customer also placed it on a Vibraplane and is very happy. The reason I sold the table was how Brinkmann treated it's past dealers after they let go On A Higher Note their USA distributor. Personally would never buy from a company that treated their dealers the way they handled the situation.

(Dealer disclaimer)

Sour grape! Stop it! It is not professional as a dealer to keep attacking the manufacturer. Be a professional and just. . . LET . . . IT . . . GO !

You've been doing that on another forum too. It does NOT make you look good!

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I like to hear things like this. It reflects bad on the manufacturer not the dealer IMHO.
Dealers tell all, keep us informed.