SAM Reference TT is actually under rated, I have the SAM Reference that replaced my $15K Clearaudio Innovation Wood and I swear I’ll never go back to Clearaudio. Using the same Cart, the SAM TT is so much detail in sound and/or music. Yes, MDF Platter is right but the quality of the MDF they use at least for me, is way better than most aluminum platter out there. I wouldn’t judge this TT until you hear it. I gave the same judgment when I saw it for the first time but when I heard it from a friend who bought it before me, man was I wrong, I was immediately amazed.