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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
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 $. 

audition__audio
1,502 posts
 

Yes CS Port. Thank you!

drbond OP
423 posts
 

@dover

After reading about Mike Lavigne’s musical journey, who has at least 3 active turntables, from his experience, it sounds like there’s no best choice at / above this level, but just slightly different, and best to be able to listen to several different high-end turntables, and to appreciate the differences in presentation. Maybe I should just buy one, listen and enjoy, with the understanding that there will always be slightly different, better in some respects, and maybe not as good in other respects. . .

The CS Port brings up another interesting split in the analog community: linear vs. tangential tracking for tonearms. I understand that LP’s are cut tangentially. What does linear tracking bring to the table, realistically and philosophically speaking?

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