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.
"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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I will add my humble and less than experienced opinion. Less than because I do not have a system that compares with yours. Having said that, if I was looking at spending $30k for a phono preamp, not to mention the cost for the rest of your system, I would be looking in the $40k-75k arena of turntable, arm, & cartridge combinations...at least. So, this is what this pauper would do: 1. Follow @terry9 advice. Get on a plane or three and invest in listening sessions. You’re going to spend 10’s of thousands of 💵, do this foundational work. 2. Be patient 3. Do more research on other turntables, tonearms, and cartridges. 4. Reach out to Jeff Dorgay with Tone Publications. He’s very knowledgeable and has extra systems as spendy as yours. He’s also not a pompous #@&! like a certain self-proclaimed analog expert who won’t review certain tables because he doesn’t like the design, engineering or the fact the mfr doesn’t bow to his excellency. Sorry, back to the point. Jeff’s a great guy. 5. Check out Basis Audio. The late A.J. Conti dedicated his life to turntable and tonearm engineering. They have standard bearing and air based turntable systems. You can hear for yourself which you prefer. Their bearings do not go bad...period. 6. Choose two different cartridges, one being Koetsu and the other ____?_____. Everyone should have a Koetsu If they can afford it. If you get two tonearms, you’ll never regret having two setups. Regarding a mono setup, I ask myself, "how often will I play a mono album?" If it’s 1:100 or more, I’d rather spend the extra 💵 on better vinyl or something else. That’s me. 7. @millercarbon has good advice regarding the cost to performance ratio of a table/tonearm compared to cartridge. That said, I think you’re investing enough in the rig that short changing your cartridge selection would be criminal or near to it. No disrespect to mc, but a $15k cartridge should not only not be overlooked but rather expected given what you are likely to spend on the tt/arm combo. 8. Be patient Goodluck. Please share your experiences listening to different rigs, dealer encounters, and final decision. Thank you for the invite into your journey. |
