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New turntable: TW or Obama?

About to take the plunge on a table to replace my venerable SOTA Star/SME V.

Top contenders: TW Acustic Raven LS or a Kuzma Stabi R with wood base.  Arm options are the TW 10.5 on the former, or something else.  Would likely get the Kuzma 4 point for the latter.

Anyone with experience and an opinion on these analog tables?

Cost wise they are similar, both under $20K.

Thanks!
bobbydd
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
600 posts
 
Keep the arm - hard to better it.

Upgrade the table to current model - costs a few thou but have heard very good things about it.

I have a series 1 Cosmos with the same arm on it and have been toying with an upgrade (only problem is that it is in my second system so not sure that's the place to be spending money).
genez
220 posts
 
Any TT that is just under $20,000?   It should be beyond reproach.  To say otherwise is a disgrace. 

Anyone needing advice on such a TT should not be buying such a thing if he can really hear and can actually enjoy what he hears.  Otherwise... he is just status bragging. Its no longer about the music.   Its all about what holds the highest status. 
keegiam
731 posts
 
This has made me interested in opinions comparing the Kuzma Stabi R and the "ancient" SOTA Star Sapphire.

Does anyone here have the listening experience to weigh in on that?  If so, how did you get there?

All I can say is, when I put a record on the SOTA Star, give the vacuum a few seconds and thunk the label with my thumb, the solidity always makes me smile.  The resulting silent, black background is a true joy.  Suspension TT's, baby.  That's the key IMHO.  If the Kuzma is clearly better, go for it.
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