Turntable upgrade recommendations: SME vs AMG vs Technics vs other

@mijostyn 

True, a resonance can develop. But this is easily controlled with a massive platter, a well damped air supply, and tuned air pressure. There is no reason to think that magnetic suspension is quieter, but there is good reason to be suspicious of stray magnetic fields near a MC cartridge, especially if these are sufficient to levitate a high mass platter. 

A high mass platter is important to smooth the electronic jitter from cogging at the poles of an AC motor or the constant corrections of a DC motor controller.

IMO.  YMMV

@alexberger

I had a similar experience with a NA Spacedeck compared to an upscale NA, the Mentor.

Happened gain when upgraded the Mentor to full NA Dais specifications.

Happened again with the modern power supply.

Happened again with air bearing.

May not be the drive system.

Dear @mijostyn ​@terry9  :As air bearing high mass platter is not a " dream design ". Any body in movement develops internal vibrations/resonances as higher the mass as higher those kind of distortions.

Low torque DD TT as the other characteristics in the STST  " looks " fine but you can be sure that after you listen to you find out that exist some trade-offs, nothing is perfect in audio and especially with the analog alternative.

Why don't as MF about that " low torque " when he is in love with the high mass high torque SAT DD TT?

R.

@rauliruegas

"Any body in movement develops internal vibrations/resonances "

Almost true. But those resonances must be excited by vibration. Where does that energy come from? Not the air bearing - you are thinking of a conventional bearing, perhaps. The only other significant source of energy is the electronic jitter from a motor, and the worst are DD, then idler drive. And the more powerful the motor, the more energy to spill over into the platter and excite those resonances.

Even being on a concrete slab, suspension and a wall shelf can really improve the performance of the P8. It did for me, but I have a suspended wood floor, so I probably got the most improvement possible.

If you think you have maximized the isolation and have a large budget, you may want to see if you can get hold of the Rega Naiad, Roy's ultimate table made in limited supply I believe. The lowest possible weight with theoretically lowest possible internal force needed to turn the platter and hence lowest energy dissipated. Someone mentioned you could get one made special, but not sure if your budget will allow it. It is his "cost no object" design.

Anybody in Agon land have one of these? I never seem to see it mentioned.