Teres, Galibier and Redpoint

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.

Well it has been quite a journey for me. I've been all through the pros and cons on paper and in my mind. The choice between the Galibier and Teres tables really does come down to personal preference in all categories. At least that has been my experience. Like some of you have posted I have also read for quite some time about all of the wonderful virtues of the Teres tables. I can't remember exactly when it was that I first became aware of Galibier, but it struck me immediately that this could be the one. It has been 6 months since my journey began in earnest to purchase one of these tables and there was no turning back since I had sold my Basis 2500 at that time. (ok, I've since picked up a used Basis 1400 so I don't go completely crazy without vinyl.)

I've now made the trip out to listen to both tables and I've also had the pleasure of hearing Doug Deacon's Teres 320. I can say that both Galibier and Teres offer terrific tables at very competitive prices to the more established manufacturers. Although I was not able to pin down the differences in music reproduction between these two I do think that will come with time. I also experienced nothing that would make me think less of either. I have sent Thom an email to let him know that I intend to go with my instincts that the Galibier is the best table for me.

Now that I've come to a decision, (which really was pretty easy in the end), it seems that my journey is coming to an close. A new one will begin soon when my new table is delivered!