My experience with Galen Carol Audio

As I am in the early stages of research, and I will not make a move quickly, Galen gave me more general advice and answered my questions.  His advice was that it may be better to not make a small jump, as I already have a good deck. If I am to upgrade, it may be better to make a somewhat significant upgrade.  I don't think he was trying to suggest that I spend more money, I think he was more of the opinion that an upgrade should make a difference, and also last a good while.

I asked him which table feels better constructed, the SME or Clearaudio at the same price point?  He said without hesitation that SME is the table if one is obsessive about build quality (like I am).  We were comparing the SME 10 or 15 with tables from Clearaudio's Innovation line with similar price points.

So, I am not exactly ready to buy, especially as I am leaning towards SME, and that is a pricey endeavor, but I will be calling Galen when I am ready.

Very professional seller. Bought my VPI Prime used from him. Items  was exactly as stated and shipped to perfection. Very polite on the phone. I would not hesitate to buy through Glenn Carol again.

I bought some of my first high end products from him decades ago. ET tonearm, Quicksilver Silver monos, VPI TT, and so on. Nothing but great things to say!

I share this philosophy - serious upgrades not small steps. And if he makes more in cases people follow his advice - that may be good for both parties. I said "may" not "is" because in recommending this or that brand and model he will take into account his profit margins, which vary. And as always but especially at this high level - do not buy without listening. I don't know the prices, but you might also consider other German turntables - Brinkmann and TW Akoustic come to mind.

I'm located in the midwest. Positive experience with  Hollywood Sound in Fl. They do analogue too!