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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
fatdaddy2
421 posts
 

'"I could not live without being able to adjust Azimuth." First world problem.

jperry
2,468 posts
 

Everything discussed here involves first world problems!

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,381 posts
 

Many top dealers will come to you and set it up, given the price range you're looking at. If you're spending $20K+ the cost of install shouldn't be an obstacle and will get you the sound quality and confidence you're after. Cheers,

Spencer

arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 

Technics, not even close!

 

 Own 3, 2 from,early,80’s, still start,stop, play great.

no belts,, o BS!

 

reliable,”!”!

 

hook up your cart to the headshell, easy swap, etc. 

drbond OP
431 posts
 

@craig The Sound Smith Strain Gauge sounds intriguing.  Looks like @millercarbon  has one also.  With my Sound Labs and Ypsilons, clarity and transparency seem to be what I appreciate most, but not a sterile, flat transparency, just a musical clarity, I suppose.  

The Ortofon Anna Diamond cartridge has also been recommended. . . 

Thanks for everyone else's recommendations to look at a few other TT.  Brinkmann is an option.  I didn't bother with TechDAS because I didn't want a $200k TT that looks like a space ship, although that's probably an oversight on my part, and perhaps I should look down the line in TechDAS.  

But overall, perhaps the cartridge is more important than the TT, in which case any of the above would be great choices. . .

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