Hi Nilthepill, here is my final verdict:
The Continuum Criterion is musically elegant, whilst remaining dynamic. The Copperhead, partnered with the Lyra Olympos, delivers an extremely open and transparent musical soundstage. The quiet, precise and stable sound is most probably due to the precise electronics partnered with the vacuum platter.
I have never enjoyed my cherished records as much as with the Continuum Criterion, this includes, jazz, vocal, rock and roll as well as other genres. It may well be the first time the Lyra Olympos encounters its soul mate in my system, the Copperhead.
The build and construction of all the parts serves the mechanical needs as well as being aesthetical appealing.
The unshielded cooper litz wire did benefit from an improved design which I was able to test; it is the least protected and aesthetical part of the Copperhead. I cut the wire shorter at the point it connects with the larger part of the cable. The signal has a shorter path to the Kondo KSL/SFZ transformer; the sound is improved dramatically.
A further step was taken by replacing the copper wire with a silver litz, this took the improvements further in the direction I wanted, I have learnt to appreciate the gain when silver is introduced at this stage in the signals' path.
Having used quite a few vacuum turntables, I was pleasantly surprised how silent the Continuum vacuum system is. The particular design of the vacuum system is very well designed.
This is by no means a plug and play system. A day or two with an experienced analog fan enabled complete and satisfactory installation. The variables made possible with neodymium armboard should be explained in the manual. I mention this again because its a magnificent design that is carefully and well executed.
This is definitely the best modern TT I have had the pleasure to listen to in my system. It will, I am certain, remain for a long time here in my listening room.
http://picasaweb.google.de/caochan1/ContinuumCriterion?authkey=Gv1sRgCPPGseyShuS7SA
