TechDAS Reliability vs SME

The SME 60 is with limitation as the TT has to be purchased with the SME 5A Arm.

I would imagine is able to be purchased as a TT only. it is going to be close to a £35000 purchase.

It will not be too far from a £45 000 TT once the Tonearm of Choice and Cart' are selected if purchasing on a tightish budget. That could easily be massaged to £100000+ if the funds are quite disposable.

I don't see the TT as a Standalone or with a 5A Tonearm, being stand out if compared to a Kuzma Model or Sota Model, with a carefully selected Tonearm and Cart'.

I am quite familiar with the SME 20/12 and SME V in use and know the SME Sonic quite well. I have a SME IV I choose not to use as the main Tonearm.

I am not convinced the 5A Tonearm is to be much improved in audible performance over the SME V or IV. Even though a shift has occurred toward certain composite material being used in place of Metal Parts, much of the overall function and Rega Type of Geometry adopted that defines the earlier models remains.

I also doubt the Model 60 will ever be seen to be a valuable and worthwhile outlay of an extra £15 - 20000 to get the latest reinvention of the SME Wheel.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3100000

Difference is what makes horse races.-- Mark Twain

I have a different opinion of SME and particularly of their tonearms.

I've never been an SME guy.....yes they sound fine but think something like Basis Audio or Kuzma are the better tables.....and for less $$$

I'm sure the Techdas is made incredibly well. If you are worried see how old the owner is and if someone is gonna take over the reigns. SME changed ownership and I hope they will continue to service products in the future.

I have encountered several SME decks and whilst i respect them and why people like them they are not my cup of tea - too cold. 

I have only heard the TechDas2 and that was wonderful. the systems/rooms were different but comparably priced - not my most reliable opinion though

I am upgrading from a SOTA Sapphire with vacuum to a TECHDAS III Premium S with a few temp tables in between.  The latest temp is a Linn LP12 with a Lingo and an Ekos SE.  The LP12 sounds very good but I want the vacumn and don't forget the III has an air bearing.  As mentioned the S has the suspension footers.  Also,  there seems to be some confusion about SOTA models.  One can have vacuum with any SOTA from the Sapphire through Cosmos and all of them in that range are suspended.  Mine is a refurbished and upgraded Sapphire that is essentially a Nova with the composite armboard from the Cosmos.

And really, calling the III a "rehashed Micro Seiki 8000" is doing the advanced engineering of the III a disservice. 

You folks take care,

Robert