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.
Congratulations on your purchase! Sounds like you hit audio Nirvana. Enjoy! And don't pay too much attention to people who know which cartridge sounds best to you in your own system. Many of the most sophisticated audiophiles use Koetsu, especially with the diamond cantilever option. Then there are exotic options like field coil and strain gauge systems. Take your time, enjoy the fine system you already have. |
The SME V arm tube is a casting. It may well be that they are running out of stock and the minimum run size is now uneconomic.
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@Dover and anyone else What do you make of the resin armtube? If you had an SMEV would you be looking to have it upgraded with the new armtube if this were possible (it isn't at the moment but it may become possible sometime in the future - technically speaking the new armtube is an exact replacement for the old)? |
Dear @terry9 : Koetsu design is as I posted an exhausted design. Nothing is changed in the last 10+ years in its motor, what change is the stones but the cartridge motor is the same. Lyra Lambda is a new design as the Verissimo against the " older " Koetsu design and the Verissimo comes with diamond cantilever and the Lyra is boron with diamond " plated " ( I don't know the rigth name. ).
Koetsu was in the vintage times a " myth/legend " when in reality its quality level performance never been really good till appeared the KRSP and I know because I owned at least 6 different models over time listening including the blue lace. I respect those " sophisticaded " audiophiles that own Koetsu but that does not means that is a true superior performer.
Koetsu stone models are very good looking but are outperformed by other newer designs.
R. |
I own one of those new designs. It's just not as good - in my system, on my turntable, with my tonearm, and with my arm wands - to my ears. Matching cartridge to system is more than just considering effective mass of the tonearm. Setting up is more than VTA. When you spend time and thought and money to get it right, as the OP is doing, you get a lot further than if you omit one of those. I don't think that you do know what his ears hear and what his system sounds like. |
