SME Model 20/12 versus TechDas AirForce V or Suggestions for a 2 tonearm TT


I have a Model 20/12 TT with a 312S tonearm. Some time ago ( a long time ago, in fact) I ordered a Schroeder CB-L tonearm. However, as Franck Schroder is very busy, it took a long time to fulfill the order.
in the mean time, as I didn’t believe that I would get my CB tonearm anymore, I had the chance to buy a Graham Phantom III 12” tonearm. This week, I got the good news that finally my tonearm is ready. So I am faced with having 2 top notch tonearms to use, having a TT which accepts only one.
My audio dealer offered me an almost irrefutable business to exchange the SME 20/12 with its 312 tonearm for a AirForce V TT, which allows for two or more TA

The V has more technology but is not well isolated as the SME 20 I wonder what is your opinion about the business and if anyone has listened to both tables with same tonearm and cartridge to compare  

 

128x128pfmaudio

I went for Vintage Direct Drive Quartz Locked on composite 7 layer deck

JVC TT81 spinner

on JVC Plinth CL-P2 (two removable armboards)

then I added a 3rd arm, had to be a very compact Mission/Jelco to fit within the dust cover

Notice, I added a deeper glass shelf as the Plinth is very deep

look here if image is distorted

Elliott’s Main System

I helped my friend put together a Luxman PD444 Two Arm Table, it is wider, not deeper like mine. Elegant simplicity with terrific technology

The Luxman includes an A/B switch so only one phono cable out.

Mine, 3 phono cables to a SUT with 3 selectable inputs.

If you do extend your investigation to A/B Comparisons. I f carried out at the Dealers do make sure both TT's are demo'd on identical mounting along with identical supporting Audio Devices downstream. The identical Cart' set up may be more difficult to achieve.

If a home demo' can be arranged, this will be even better for your deliberations to follow. 

The more effort put into discovering methods that can be adopted to mount a TT, with the intent to decrease ambient energies being easily transferring to the Styli. Creates a TT, that can become unrecognisable to when it has been used on a Mount that has not been considered to substantially reduce / resolve the transferral of ambient energies.

 

mijostyn

my wood floors are springy, isolation from that movement is beyond difficult, sadly made me part with my beloved Thorens TD124 which has a bearing very susceptible to vertical movement.

Both the JVC Plinth and Luxman Plinths have special technology, but neither can deal with my floors.

Each shelf of the rack is individually isolated via compressed rubber, the stands on top supporting the glass shelf have compressed rubber spacers top and bottom, and finally, a set of rubber/cork blocks are the high tech solution that solved it here.

Cork and Rubber Pads, I wrapped mine in black tape,

thorens with vacuum, keep all or sell some least favorite arm(s), note mine, Luxman, this one has a dust cover, many do not.

thorens TD 226 with 2 arms