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Turntable upgrade recommendations: SME vs AMG vs Technics vs other

I've recently upgraded most of my system, but I still have a Rega P8, with Linn Krystal cartridge, which I like, but I've heard that there may be better options.

I have Sound Lab electrostatic speakers, Ypsilon Hyperior amplifiers, an Ypsilon PST-100 Mk2 pre-amplifier, and am thinking about an Ypsilon phono stage to match with my system, and a turntable/cartridge.  I listen to almost entirely classical, acoustic music. 

Based on my very limited knowledge, and simple research, I've been looking at three brands, each of which is a different type of turntable: SME (suspension), AMG (mass), and Technics (direct drive).  
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of turntables, and of those in particular?

Thanks.   

drbond
dover
2,262 posts
 

 

Dear @dover ​@drbond  : In that SME review comparison exiast a very important difference that's that the 15A comes with the inferior 309 tonearm but my advise to the OP is to buy the 15 with the V tonearm.

The SME 20/3 has a much more substantial subchassis with a much lower resonant frequency and heavier platter than the 15.  And of course the SME 20/3 is a significant improvement over the older 20/2.

It is a much better turntable regardless of arm, deeper bass and more gravitas in its overall presentation.

sokogear
1,100 posts
 

@tomic601 - do you have any info on the SOTA reflex clamp and how it would attach to a non threaded spindle like the Rega P8 has? I am always looking at ways to improve the sound.

I don't think Lew @lewm is frugal with his cartridge collection :-)...

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,022 posts
 

@sokogear the Reflex clamp i have is essentially a collet that slides over smooth spindle and a knurled knob on top of clamp compresses the collet. i think the latest version has a cam lever that compresses the collet. Best to you !

i am a Robot seeking to emulate an edgewound Lew at least as cartridge acquisition goes…

lewm
13,294 posts
 

SOTA reflex clamp works by gripping any spindle when the lever is pushed down and locked.

drbond OP
425 posts
 

@mijostyn 

I don't see many recent reviews about the Oracle Audio Delphi (newest version) MkVI.  Because of the brand reputation of SME, I'm leaning in that direction.  All things being equal (cartridge, tonearm), do you know how the Oracle Delphi Mk VI would differ sonically from the SME 20/3? 

I'll have to read about the Transrotor tonearm, but from what I superficially know about tonearms (reading easily available reviews), I might lean towards a Graham Phantom III tonearm or a Kuzma 4Point tonearm.  This decision would make more complex choices; however, the SME 20/3 is an easy decision and set up with the series V tonearm.  

From what I read about tonearms, the Kuzma 4Point was very highly reviewed, and if I were to get a Kuzma tonearm, I suppose I should consider the Kuzma Stabi R turntable.  

Any idea how the Kuzma Stabi R with Kuzma 4Point would compare to the SME 20/3 with series V tonearm? 
Thanks. 

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