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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
sokogear
1,097 posts
 

@drbond - If I were you, and spending that kind of dough, I would talk to Dr. Vinyl (he is based out of Maryland, but travels all over the place to set up expensive tables and is a dealer for a lot of small TT manufacutrers) who I spoke with a couple days ago with a quick question and he told me the level of equipment he deals with ($450K TTs and $80K Phono stages). Nice guy.

Also, I would check with Mike Lavigne who is a frequent contributor on Audiogon who has multiple tables in and above your target price range. Very serious audiophile.

dover
2,249 posts
 

@drbond 

For that budget I would investigate

Brinkmann Balance 2 arm with Ront Tube power supply

Techdas Air Force 3 Premium

both of these would be around the $40k mark before negotiation.

For the Acoustic Signature you would have to go to the Ascona Neo @$50k retail to meet the performance of the Brinkmann/Techdas.

As an aside - if you want to explore vintage a mint Micro Seiki 8000 mk1 can be had for around US$25k, which according to some owners of both is as good as the Air Force One ( north of $100k ).  It may require a little extra effort for any parts, maintenance etc but the performance is at Airforce 1 level.

 

 

audition__audio
1,502 posts
 

Yes I think Mike Lavigne has a Japanese table with a really weird name that caught my attention. Not a belt but a sinewy type of rope, no speed correction on the motor, lots of weight and a tangent tracking arm.

dover
2,249 posts
 

@audition__audio 

cc @drbond 

CSPort air bearing turntables you are referring to are very good.

jonwolfpell
397 posts
 

I’ve owned & enjoyed a Basis 2500 w/ a Basis Vector 4 arm & a ZYX MC cartridge for 20 years. Simple, very solid w/ very well engineered & built in NH. Still works flawlessly & sounds excellent. I think the newest version is the 2800. Seems better in every way. I would highly suggest taking a look. Strangely,  Stereophile never mentions Basis & the Absolute Sound has highly rated many of their models. Advertising propaganda I suspect.  I value long term reliability consistency highly especially when spending my hard earned $. 

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