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
Dan, Thom,

Thank you for sharing your observations on arm and cartridge comparisons. They seem very much in line with comments made earlier by Dougdeacon and Cello. Although it will be interesting to hear your thoughts with a proper mass Schroeder.

I wish I could have been there as well. Next time..

Andrew
Flyingred,
Interesting your findings mirror mine, but in reverse. I heard the Teres before Galibier and had some difficulty hearing through the two different systems to the tables as did you. However, it was quite clear to me on first listen that the Galibier had a better grip on the music despite the system/cart/arm differences (Thom's the lesser cartridgewise). This was very telling to me and I needed not return for a second listen to the Teres line.
I had the luxury of a few return trips to Colorado, during which I was able to hear the Galibier in other settings and, suffice to say, the long torturous search was simply over at that point.
I have the Schroeder reference with the Jacaranda arm. This arm has about 15 grams of effective mass vs the 18 grams that Thom has with the Ebony arm. I have the Universe with silver base weight and this combination works very well. The combination has great dynamics and attack as well as great tonal color. I am using on one of Thom's new graphite top platters and earlier Redpoint/Galibier tables. I suspect as Thom says I may be at the high point of what would be a good match for the cartridge but this match does work very well.
Xsheaffer, I agree that if you hear significant differences and clearly favor one table then it would not make sense to go back. My interpretation of Dan's experience was that he liked the Galibier then scaled the Teres hierarchy - which was somewhat disorientating. Different isn't always better.

In my case, a year ago, many of the sages here were highly in favor of the Teres line whilst Galibier was hardly mentioned. So my auditions were already prejudiced (in favor of Teres) by reviews here.

As more audiophiles hear both tables the reports are balancing up the recommendations. I suspect that Thom has raised the bar with the graphite platter innovation.

I think it's essential though that anyone who's thinking of buying a good turntable should do what you, me and Dan did - take a trip to Colorado, check out both Galibier and Teres and let their ears decide. The relatively small cost of flights and hotels is insignificant compared to the outlay on a new table.
Flyingred,
Again, same here. I had also heard much about the Teres and, looking back, I think I was prejudiced to like it better from all I had read and heard.
I can tell you the trip to Colorado to meet Chris and Thom is worth it in itself just for the experience of meeting the men behind, and the chance to listen to two of the finest tables you may ever hear.
And, yes, the new platter is a must-hear.