Turntable Wars- Reviewers take sides


Seems that there's an undeclared war between the top analogue writers on just who makes 'The Best Turntable in the World'.....
For the last 9 years Michael Fremer has stood firm behind the Continuum Caliburn but now Jonathan Valin has thrown down the gauntlet
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/acoustic-signature-invictus-turntable-and-ta-5000-tonearm/
whilst Peter Breuninger gives you his 'guarantee' for the Kronos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYDHnH3FfV4
and Roy Gregory goes for the Grand Prix Monaco
http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/grand_prix_monaco_15.htm

But hold your horses....
There appears to be a new 'Player' about to be introduced which may shake the established wisdom (although at a price of around 280,000 Euros I wonder how many reviewers will get one?)...
http://www.arche-headshell.de/the-apolyt/
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They should increase the price to half a million euros - that will help sell it. The figure of 280000 euros doesn't look convincing. Those people in Germany have no real confidence.

I remember when the Rockport was considered the greatest TT since sliced bread. I guess that TT would be considered a bargain nowadays.

The Acoustic Signature is only $123K. Peanuts compared to some of the other high-bling turntables out there. Doesn’t the Clearaudio cost $250K? Not to mention the 280,000-Euro Apolyt (please). And with the AS you get a tonearm with inner tubes, as well, for your money.
Well, here's something to consider: In the face of the growing number of six-figure turntables, VPI offers a turntable in the same rarefied air of Stereophile Class A+ recommended turntables, the VPI Classic Direct, with direct drive and 3D printed tonearm, for a relatiely mere $30,000.

So now you can get an A+ turntable for the price of a mid-priced car instead of a vacation home or cabin cruiser.