SME turntables

Taters---I was talking about the reference system in the main room in his shop (a great room, built in the golden ratio formula of 10' X 16' X 26', and fitted with RPG diffusers and ASC Tube Traps). The SME replaced that huge acrylic table built in France (or was it Switzerland?) that Brooks is pictured adjusting on the Brooks Berdan Ltd. website. He was involved in that table's design, but used the SME in the store for the last few years of his life.

Bill Johnson's Winter home was out here in the California desert, about 1-1/2 hours from the shop, and Bill had Brooks come out and set up his table/arm/cartridge (I don't know what they were!). Bill and Brooks are both greatly missed.

I really miss Brooks. The shop is just not the same without him there.

Very true Taters. Have you been to his son Brian's shop (Audio Elements) in Pasadena yet? Brooks trained him well, and he is one of the best dealers in S. Ca, with some great lines.

I was there when they first opened a couple of years ago. Brian is a nice kid, but here is no Brooks. I always wondered how he took all those lines from the original Brooks Berdan store in Monrovia.

Hi Bdp24,

The prior turntable you are referring to is either the SPJ La Luce or Centoventi. I believe Brooks had more input on the SPJ tonearm design, but not sure about the table - I believe that was mostly the work of Judy Spotheim and team. Great man, and sorely missed by the audiophile community.