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.
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. |
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. |
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… |
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. |
