Turntable upgrade recommendations: SME vs AMG vs Technics vs other

VPI table & Soundsmith cart

I have heard many high end tables, and I ended up on the AMG Viella V12 in my system. It sounds incredible. I have a Lyra Etna cartridge and all Boulder electronics. I’m not sure I’d be able to get a better sound for less than 100k and I love the AMG. So we’ll made, feels like a tank. 

@terry9 , the only real air bearing turntable out there is the big Kuzma. All the others use an air thrust system. You can achieve pretty much the same result with opposing magnets at much less expense. Examples are the Clearaudio tables and some Sotas. I personally do not like turntables with outboard motors and tonearms. Particularly the tonearm should be solidly mounted to the same fixture as the platter. 

@rauliruegas , Hey Raul, what do you think of the STST Motus II turntable? I'm pretty sure I know what chakster would say. You are not so predictable;)

Just heard a Kuzma Stabi R with 4POINT9 combo at dealers and just a wonderful combo. Images were focused and pinpoint and a very expansive soundstage. Above my budget sad to say.

As a turntable guy, I could be happy with any of the three you’ve listed.

The weak link of the Technics is (as others have stated) their tonearms and record mats. These are areas of big gains, especially if using modern MC cartridges.

The AMG, while beautifully executed, will most likely require an HRS Platform or suitable isolation to perform its best. Solely mass damped & rigidly coupled.

The SME are truly finished products requiring no additional updates or tweaks. Most recently even the tonearm signal cables have been upgraded to Crystal Cable which is electrically wired correctly for all preamps including the recent trend of transimpedance. Their tonearms are sublime. The suspended models from the M15 up even have captive tungsten bearings installed in their footers should any type of boutique platform be utilized they can be revealed.

High performance turntables can be thought of as race cars in that they will only perform at their potential when properly set up. Most qualified installers (without a sell agenda) will be happy to set up any new SME due to a lack of potential surprises other than the sound of the finished product.