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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
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cleeds
6,034 posts
 
rauliruegas

 

The SS design can’t mimic the necessary inverse RIAA eq because its design is " different " and that’s why comes with its dedicated phono stage, you can’s use it with any other phono stage. No, it’s a design for other kind of LP recordings but not for the ones that comes with the RIAA curve.

You’re correct that the Soundsmith strain gauge cartridges require the dedicated SS phono preamp, but you’re wrong about everything else. The output of the strain gauge cartridge naturally mimics the RIAA curve very, very closely, so it doesn't need a conventional phono preamp to apply the curve. I’ve heard the Soundsmith system and while it may not be to my taste, it can certainly produce incredibly good sound.

alexberger
935 posts
 

The Russian nouveau riches have a proverb "Loot triumphs over evil".

But it doesn't work in audio!!!

$400K system can sound great but it also can sound horrible. It depends more from a person who put this system together vs money spent. This person has to have knowledge, skills, experience and taste.

When I visited audiophile homes and audio shows, I didn't find correlation between sound quality and money spent. On the contrary, for some reason the most expensive systems on audio shows I visited always sounded bad, at least for my taste.

rsf507
2,355 posts
 

@cleeds when you say regarding the SM strain gauge "I’ve heard the Soundsmith system and while it may not be to my taste" what did you not like about it?

sokogear
1,100 posts
 

@alexberger - very true. As I mentioned the $400k system beat ones costing over $1M, and it had only $20K with of cartridge/phono stage.

Plus the majority of ones who throw "loot" at their system I bet are not really listening and comparing and are usually trying to impress people with how much they've spent. Probably not most Agoners, but many customers of high end audio stores.

drbond OP
428 posts
 

@sokogear

Yes, I realize that placing a spindle weight on the LP goes against Rega’s philosophy, but it sounds much cleaner that way; perhaps Rega needs to adjust their philosophy slightly?
I did check the timing to ensure that the weight didn’t interfere with the LP speed, and it doesn’t (it’s not a real heavy weight), but it does a great deal to help diminish the platter vibrations on my P8. If you haven’t tried it, you should, and let me know what you think!

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