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Having A Tough Time Justifying More Than One Table

Currently have three tables on the system, and have run at least two for a number of years. I do remember back when I was younger and had fewer greenbacks to my disposal that I would run one table that was the best I could afford. That is actually my M.O. - only one of each. But I have broke that trend with turntables. 

But as I sit here and listen to my main table, a SOTA Cosmos Eclipse withe SME V and a Transfiguration Proteus I wonder why I bother with the others. Also residing on the stereo cabinet is a Well Tempered Reference with a ZYX 4D on it, and a Brinkmann Bardo with Audiomods Series 6 and Ortofon A90 on it. Both are very nice sounding tables, but neither are on the same level as the SOTA. The Brinkmann might have more I can coax out of it with a better arm, and that is something I have considered. 

Yet I wonder, why bother? Sometimes I think I should buy another cartridge on par with the Proteus and just rotate them when one goes off for refurbishment. 

This is what I get for thinking on a quiet weekend morning and having too much coffee....
neonknight
lewm
13,010 posts
 
Dear Neon, Your experience here is like an alcoholic visiting his favorite pub in order to get help with his drinking problem.  There's nothing wrong with your acquisitive habit; it's up to you to decide whether and how much to control it.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
It is like guitars, bikes, ..., 
You always want what you have plus one. So, it is never enough.
For me three arms are reasonable (1 mono + 2 stereo cartridges for MC and MM). Four is better (1 mono + 3 stereos for 1 MM, 1 LOMC and 1 HOMC). If the space is a concern, you can have one table with four arms.  

testpilot
927 posts
 
I have 3 tables because I have 3 separate systems located in different parts of the house. I might go down to 2 as one system is almost 100% streaming. 
rdk777's avatar
rdk777
571 posts
 
IMO, its better to keep the three different tables than one with three arms.  If something happens to to the motor, belt etc - it's over and you'd wish you had that other table.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@testpilot 

I have 3 tables because I have 3 separate systems located in different parts of the house. I might go down to 2 as one system is almost 100% streaming.


i am definitely playing records a lot less as i am streaming sooo much more these days

streaming is just more fun, less work for my lazy a--...  🤫
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