Thomas,I too feel the(incredibly intriguing)Shroder Ref is VERY pricey,however as Mr.S,himself,once said,on a different thread,"let someone else try to make one for less".I still feel that arm should sell(could sell)for less,but that isn't going to happen.Also,the only,and I mean ONLY way to know for sure is to try one in ONE'S OWN SET-UP!!Forget about seeing,and hearing one at a show,or even another owner's response.Unfortunately,at the high asking price,some may go for it,but if some kind of U.S. magazine review came out with a "RAVE" review I'll bet the sales would greatly increase.Not that it needs to,as it is hand made,slowly,I presume.
To me,and I'm only guessing,this arm is very carefully marketed,adding to the perception of clear superiority over the rest of the otherwise fine competition.Though I have been,and always will be in AWE of it's apparent lack of resonance,in design of the ingenious bearing.Too bad I'll never really get a chance to find out,as I'm prepared to put beans on the table for a few months,if I only REALLY knew how good it was!!
