Teres, Galibier and Redpoint


After a lot of research deciding whether I should upgrade the motor on my Avid Volvare or my cartridge I have now decided that upgrading my transport is the way to go. I don't have to worry about motor compatability problems and I can always upgrade my cartridge at a later date. Being that I nearly always prefer pursueing the small company, and that the unsuspended route seems right, the three shops above have really caught my interest.

The Teres 320 or 340, Galibier Gavia and Redpoint Model A all cost about the same. But the same problem arises, I don't have an opportunity to hear and compare them and unless it's on my system, it doesn't really matter. I in no way mean to insult Chris, Thom or Peter, but what seperates these three tables in term of sonics? I say this only because they are contributors to this forum. Anyone have any opinions?

My arm is a Tri-Planar VII. Phonostage a Thor. Art Audio SET amps. Systrum rack. Thanks for your input. Richard
richardmr
I am completely sympathetic! I, too, am looking into my next table and have considered all three of these in addition to Avid and Acoustic Signature. It is most likely that all of these tables are capable of great performance. I have owned a very good suspended table in the past but I have come to realize that these are not the best at dynamics and "the startle factor". (I borrowed that phrase because I think it really sums up what my preference is for vinyl playback.) If the listener tends to like warmer,perhaps a bit smooth playback then I would think a suspended table would be in order. So, like you, I'm going down the nonsuspended, high mass road.

I also give the nod to the 3 tables you mentioned because I think they are the best value around when you compare all of the features included in the price. But my personal preference is for the arm and bearing to be tightly coupled. So that ruled out the Redpoint for me. Another preference I have is for mounting multiple arms and here again I think these tables get the nod because the armboards can easily be manufactured and the pivoting feature makes for setup ease.

So I'm down to Galibier and Teres. Here is where the dilemma really begins to kick in and like you said it is virtually impossible to hear both table in my system in my room. Again I'm left to comparisons based on research and not listening sessions. Both of these tables imploy a simpler is better approach if we skip the motor controllers for now. The biggest difference is in the materials chosen. I'm also an amateur woodworker so I really appreciate the look and craftsmanship of the Teres tables. I have no issue with movement of the wood because I'm satisfied that the process that Chris uses in making the Teres tables is sufficient to keep any movement to a minimum. I'm also put at ease by the great effort that Chris goes to to stand behind what he makes.

As I said before, my preferences in sonics tend to the dynamic and what many would refer to as bright. I reject this because bright is exactly how I would characterize all live music I have ever heard. Anyway, that leads me to think that Thom's approach using all metal may yield sonics closer to what I would prefer. But I also admit that this is at best a guess on my part.

Now, just a brief comment on the motor controller that is used by Teres and some others. I'm an engineer, EE and CS, and I do have some concerns with a feedback loop controller. It does seem that the one in question is very well implemented, but again my preference is for simple is best.

So here we are Richard. Both on a similar quest and both facing the same obstacles.
Dan ed- Do you know why Redpoint does not couple the arm and bearing? I could give Peter a call but I'll wait until after the holidays. Aesthetics don't mean much to me but I kinda go for the Redpoint's anodized red model. I have seen a Teres 340 and it's truly beautiful. The review of Galibier seemed incomplete to me. Jumping from a Grahim Robin arm to a Schroeder is to great a leap.
Hi; I am in the same boat as well. I have heard all of these tables, hands down the RedPoint was the winner to my ears that day for a table using mass and being unsuspended. However what I found was the SOTA Cosmos or Millenia better suited my listening needs; netural. It was mached with a TriPlanner. What ever way you go I am sure you will be happy, in the end.
Cheers