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Turntable upgrade recommendations: SME vs AMG vs Technics vs other

I've recently upgraded most of my system, but I still have a Rega P8, with Linn Krystal cartridge, which I like, but I've heard that there may be better options.

I have Sound Lab electrostatic speakers, Ypsilon Hyperior amplifiers, an Ypsilon PST-100 Mk2 pre-amplifier, and am thinking about an Ypsilon phono stage to match with my system, and a turntable/cartridge.  I listen to almost entirely classical, acoustic music. 

Based on my very limited knowledge, and simple research, I've been looking at three brands, each of which is a different type of turntable: SME (suspension), AMG (mass), and Technics (direct drive).  
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of turntables, and of those in particular?

Thanks.   

drbond
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 

You are in for a treat with any of the upgrade ideas vs the current Rega. You will find, however, that it is tough to correlate design ideals with reality. For example suspension *should* always be a good idea and direct drive has better measured performance most of the time. Yet it comes down to implementation

 

All three brands you are looking at have accolades and good history of performance ( AMG being the newest ).

 

You did not mention the models/ budget you are considering- this alone can sway the answers. Is the SP10R in the mix ?

 

Did you know there is a current production direct drive also with suspension? It is the Motus DQII made by STST. I sell this brand so won’t say more since I have a bias, but you should be aware of it :)

drbond OP
432 posts
 

@solypsa 

I am looking at the top end of the manufacturers:  so I was considering the Technics SP10R or SL1000R, the AMG Viella V12 (or similar), or the SME 30/2 or similar.  

If all the turntables are as good as another, then I suppose I would go with the Technics, due to ease of moving/fewer parts.  If that's the case, then I suppose it just comes down to the tonearm/cartridge, and less so for the turntable?

solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 

All three are good, this does not mean they sound the same of course. The SP10R offers you the chance to pick the plinth ( one with two arm mounts might be nice...since you are a classical music buff there are a lot of old mono records you might wish to try) as well as tonearm making some personal choices. Have you heard any of these yet?

drbond OP
432 posts
 

No. The problem is that there are no audio shops within 2 hours of where I live. It’s an audiophile desert here, so I was hoping to get some idea of the differences in sound between the different turntables, if any. . .

To give you an idea of what it's like in Florida, I called about 3 shops, all 2+ hours away when I needed a turntable repair on my Rega P8.  None of them were willing to step up, so I shipped my turntable to NY for a new cartridge installation.  So, essentially, I will probably end up buying a used one unheard. 

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