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Another turntable

Hello everybody 

I am an analog lover (no CD nor streaming at all). For about 20 years now I have a TW Acustic Raven AC, with 2 SME 3012-R tonearms. One for the stereo and one for the monos. The TW evolved with the battery PSU, and heavy platter form the Black Night, and the 3 motors in a round shape.

I listen mainly classical music and a bit of jazz music. 
I read many threads on forum and TW is never talked about. My TTIs 20 years old now and as I am turning old too, maybe I look for what would be my last TT ( the famous « last one » before being retired with not enough money for climbing the audiophile mountain again.

I have no preferences for any technology as long as it makes good music. I can buy used or vintage (if professionally restored). 
I can go up to 20000 € max. I need the possibility of 2 arms, or one classical and enough room for a Viv Lab.

My little list is 

- Kuzma Red 2 or Stabi M

- Verdier La Platine

-SME 20 or an old 30

- Brinkmann 

-Shoppered TD124 ?

-   What else ?

Thanks for your suggestions. As you understand I live in Europe. How do you quote TW now in regards of these pretenders ? 

senza
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 

It would be great to think that the Munich Hi End Show will take place this year.

It is a event that is a Mecca for enthusiasts across the Globe, and being based in Europe, attending this event will be reasonably easy to achieve.

All of the choices that make the shortlist and others that have not will most likely be available for a demonstration within the show.

If this is an appealing option, exhibitors can be contacted in advance, and informed of your interest in receiving a demonstration of certain products.   

senza OP
80 posts
 

The Balance is out of reach except a used model. It seem th tube PSU is mandatory with also theHRS base, and these « accessories «  significantly p raises the price. Never heard SME and opinions on them are convergent concerning build quality but rather divergent about SQ. 
concerning Verdier I heard the speed was not precisely 33,33, but that the motor kept it very constant. Now Raul said it’s not the case. Verdier better or worst sounding than SME 20.3 ? 
No dealer here is able to present 2 different TTs in the same price range, and the one they sell are told to be selected by them as « the » reference in their price range. I know it’s not the case as they all have deals with builders or importers for selling their products. That’s why I ask to real users for sharing real experiences.

In the end, if I compile what all of you David, Kuzma Stabi M seems the one to go, but only one arm. 

dhcod
710 posts
 

I second the PTP solid 9 or 12. Incredible table. Stabi R with 4Point otherwise.

But why not just upgrade your arm to the 4Point and keep the TW? Easier step and it will get you closer to the big boys than you think

senza OP
80 posts
 

@dhcod : yes it’s a possibility also. With the money spared I could buy Uber tonearms like Glanz 1200. But I’m an audiophile after all, 😎 and in a few years I will be retired with restricted financial possibilities.😏

Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,093 posts
 

Dear @senza  : The Simon Yorke is not a TT with a high marketing profile but the other way around and for very good reasons.

I'm sure that you know Allaerts cartridges and if not you need to own the Formula One. Well, J.Allaerts use Simon Yorke TT for his cartridge voicing.

 

Don't go for TT names that at the end means almost nothing, yes names as SME is a good name with high quality manufacturing.

Anyway, you can read here about Simon Yorke and read his historty and blog both really interesting and I don't know but maybe you can get its TT with two arm boards obviously you have to ask about:

 

https://recordplayer.com/

 

R.

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