TechDAS Reliability vs SME


Thank you for your thoughts and advice!

Wondering what the long term reliability is for more complicated turntable designs such as TechDAS with vacuum hold down vs designs without vacuum hold down.  Also somewhat concerned about who would fix a TechDAS issue if you were to have one?

Currently have a Sota turntable with vacuum system and SME IV.VI arm but I'm getting some new Wilson Audio Alexia V early next year and would like to upgrade my table as well.  I purchased a Mutech Hayabusa and Sutherland little LOCO k2 but haven't installed.  

Thinking TechDAS III or V but also interested in the new MK2 SME model 15.  

Yes I know TechDAS looks like it should be in a laboratory but I do like the idea of the amount of technology they have invested in turntable design.  Essentially I do like the look of the TechDAS, especially when the AirForce III was in white/silver color.  

Chad has increased my vinyl collection a ton in the last few years so ready to spend some money on my table. 

Thoughts or vote SME vs TechDAS! 

chauncey

Might want to consider a Basis turntable & arm . Time tested quality & reliability & sound excellent, substantially better than the SOTA which I also owned at one point.. Absolute Sound loves them & Stereophile never mentions them although been around for almost 40 years made in NH. strange…..

I’ve had my 2500 for 22 years & 0 problems. I got one new belt & 2 cartridges over that time. A J Conti knew what he was doing! 
 

 

Kuzma R or M with the 4Point arm - much better sounding than the SME

I've heard the Stabi R many  many times and it is my next table (currently have a Stabi S) very simple yet can accept upto 4 arms, someday will use it with 2 arms myself. 

I have listened to Sota Sapphire and TechDas AFV in my system.  I use a Kuzma 4P9 and my next table will most likely be a Kuzma Stabi R (on my Vibraplane) or a Galibier table.  The TechDas is an amazing table. The vacuum and air bearing technology have been around for several decades so I wouldn’t worry about reliability.

 I would focus more on the general sound of the table. The TechDas are very stable “smooth” sounding units that allow you to focus on the music. The Kuzma’s are thought to have a little more energy and excitement. I’m sure these are all modified by arm and cart choice as well.

I have had my TechDas III Premium for about a month. Could not be happier with the sound and user interface. Love the vacuum hold down.

I have made the statement below in another Thread.

One of the TT Brands that has captured the attention of the Chief Designer is Kuzma.

For reasons that are personal to me, and I were to reignite an interest in a Belt Drive Design, the first port of call would be a Kuzma Model. This would also be the model to be used to compare any other Belt Drives to that might be discovered to be of interest.

"I do like the History of the Chief Designer from Tech Das and the TT's left in the wake of the career moves have been nothing short of very much sought after.

I also know that he still has a passion for TT design and will be seen delving into the designs that are present at a attended commercial event.

I would not suggest this is the sole reason to consider a TT, but it in reassuring to know where some of the design considerations may have evolved from, and how successful they have been as an older generation technology".

https://techdas.jp/pages/hideaki-nishikawa-designer-techdas/