Used TechDAS Air Force III vs New Feickert Firebird with Kuzma Safir 9 vs SME 20 MK 2


Sorry so many ideas.  Looking for help on a used TechDAS vs some new options. 

Used TechDAS Air Force III with used SME IV.VI Arm

vs

New Feickert Firebird with New Kuzma Safir 9

vs 

New SME Model 20 MK2

vs

New Kuzma Stabi R or Ref 2 with New Safir 9

 

chauncey

Have you heard any of the mentioned tables/arm combos? I've heard myself the Stabi R Safir combo and it's sublime, best analog I've heard to date, wish I could afford it. 

I've heard a Feickert with the 4Point arm but the rest of the system wasn't great.  Not sure how you really compare a turntable unless you also know the cartridge, phono...speakers...etc. I'm about 2 hours away from any HiFi shop for borrowing anything.  No TechDAS dealer in Colorado anymore....

I have a Stabi R with the Safir and continue to find more and more to like about the combo and how it brings out the best in a wide range of recordings. And this takes place without imposing any kind of "sound" on the source, instead leaving the impression of hearing what took place during the recording.

That said, I would want to know more about the kind of music to be played. I primarily listen to acoustic jazz from the 50s and 60s (think Bill Evans, Art Pepper, Oscar Peterson) so there is that. I also have moved to all tubes and recently switched to Joseph Audio Perspectives, so I would give some thought to how the combo will integrate with your other gear.

I don't know the other combos you are considering, so I hope this obviously biased perspective is at least slightly helpful...