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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
drbond OP
425 posts
 

@alexberger ​​​​​@sokogear 

As you both comment, yes, expensive systems, if not properly pieced, could sound worse than a well-designed system.  I think this is where this forum helps many people out, such as myself, who have little knowledge about and little access to audiophile equipment.  I have learned a great deal by reading on this forum, and posting queries myself.  Without this forum, and its contributors, such as @everyone commenting here, I would certainly not have a very good idea of how to piece a system together. 

So, thanks everyone!   

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cleeds
6,009 posts
 
rsf507

@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?

I heard the SM strain gauge at Soundsmith - using a VPI HRX table and VPI arm. I don't recall the speakers Peter was using, but they were small-ish monitors. I have Infinity IRS Betas and my taste runs to a much bigger, fuller sound. Still, the strain gauge system is very, very impressive.

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cleeds
6,009 posts
 
rauliruegas

Dear @cleeds  : I think you are wrong or have a misunderstood.

No, I've actually heard the system. While the strain gauge is not a perfect complement to the RIAA curve, it's close. If you think your conventional phono cartridge delivers perfectly flat results you've probably never measured it.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not a big fan of the strain gauge concept. But I'd never insist "... it's a design for other kind of LP recordings but not for the ones that comes with the RIAA curve." That's simply wrong - the system is specifically designed for LP playback, whether it is to your taste or not.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,017 posts
 

SOTA reflex clamp works well on the gospel of Gandy… imo and to my taste, but the brinkman clamp on a brinkman is sublime..

maybe @retipper can comment on the SS SG natural response and what it takes to mimic the RIAA. 

For what it’s worth Iverson spent a bit of time trying to tackle the SG eq “ issue “

best to all, a remarkably civil and constructive thread….

I am a frugal robot, like Lew…

dover
2,262 posts
 

 

Dear @dover ​@drbond  : In that SME review comparison exiast a very important difference that's that the 15A comes with the inferior 309 tonearm but my advise to the OP is to buy the 15 with the V tonearm.

The SME 20/3 has a much more substantial subchassis with a much lower resonant frequency and heavier platter than the 15.  And of course the SME 20/3 is a significant improvement over the older 20/2.

It is a much better turntable regardless of arm, deeper bass and more gravitas in its overall presentation.

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