Turntable Decision


So, I want to try a spring isolated turntable. Considering a SOTA Sapphire, Michell Gyro SE or Orbe, or used Linn Sondek LP12 (90's edition). Will be in one of two systems: Herron phono pre-Conrad Johnson pre- Pass amp - B&W speakers; or Parasound Halo JC3+ phono pre, Raven Osprey integrated, Harbeth speakers.

Thoughts based on real life experience?

Thanks.

    -GAR
gareents
@sbank , another happy Sound Labs/ Sota guy! Great minds hear alike:-). 

meldiscman, I owned an Oracle for a year or so. It is a pretty turntable but like the Linn LP12 it has a stability problem and it is not nearly as nice to use as a Sota. They recently added damping wells to the design and this may have improved things a bit. For a similar price you can get a Sota with vacuum clamping which takes everything to the next level. It will not flatten severe warps but most records do not have severe warps. Do this experiment. Put a test record on and place a dime under the edge of the record. Play a 1000 Hz test tone. You will easily hear the tone warble especially if your vertical bearing is above record surface level. It does not take much warping to cause very audible effects. Vacuum clamping pulls the record down onto the flat surface of the platter with rather obvious results. Perhaps sbanks will comment on this as his Nova is a vacuum version. 
of those the Sota for sure, the most neutral sounding of the bunch that will not be too much of a good thing and make for the best synergy with either system.  pick a lively neutral cartridge. 
my personal choice would be a technics G with lyra delos cart.  
the gyro is super cool though, i almost could care less how it sounds.  
Buy a used Gyro or Orbe SE. Apply all the Pedersen mods. Now you're in SME territory at a fraction of the price.

https://www.pedersensgyro.dk/home
Thanks @vinylvalet. As the lone dissenter, do you have a reason you prefer the Michell over SOTA?


Thanks for all the great input on SOTA tables. A question on arms: any thoughts on a Schick or Graham arm on a Sapphire?