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

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.

Hi @terry9 ,

Motor turns platter in jerks just in cheap DJ DD turntables like Technics 1200. Top Japanese and German DD don’t have this issue. For example, EMT 950 motor (DC PWM) works so smooth that is has super light platter.

All lacker cutter are DD. All vinyl we have is produced with these cutters.

I compared Nottingham Spacedeck to much cheaper Lenco L78 from 70x. And Lenco overperformed it.

Regards,

Alex

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