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Time for a "massive" turntable: Spacedeck vs Scheu

I have been considering upgrading my analog setup for a while (Michell Tecnodec and Thorens TD150 MKII). I will keep the Thorens as a nice example of a classic suspended deck. After many "light" turntables, I now would love to give mass-loaded table a try:

- Nottingham Spacedeck with Ace-Space arm

- Scheu Premier MKII with Moerch UP4 tonearm

I have listened to the Spacedeck a couple of times and love its solid sonic foundation, black backgrounds, solid bass, and warm but extremely detailed and tuneful sound. I have not had a chance to listen to the Scheu but would love to hear some comments and about direct comparisons with the Nottingham.

List of previous analog setups

Remaining system:
Denon DL103R (as the initial cartridge)
Wright WPP200C phono (planned)
Fi Y, Super X, First Watt F1
Cain & Cain Abby

Any comments, experiences, recommendations?

Rene
restock
restock OP
831 posts
 
Jaybo, if you look at my history of tables, I have owned Linn, Rega, Michell - all on the light rigid side. Also, I am still keeping a classic Thorens TD150 (really a mini Linn LP12) around. I like the Rega sound in particular, but right now I am just looking to explore something different.

Also, talking about popularity, Nottingham had been around for a very long time - their Spacedeck being their most popular offering. There are supposedly more than 10000 out there but almost never one for sale.

Colitas, thanks for the suggestion to contact 4yanx - I just did.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Rene: My advise on TT is to go for an all metal design and in the massive " road ".
I prefer the " solid " sound of the all metal TT designs. Of course these ones are not so beautiful looking than the acrylic or wood ones but I like how it perform.

I really like the Acoustic Signature, Galibier and Simon Yorke. There are three other non-metal TT designs that I like too: SME, Sota and Basis.
Now, all depend on your budget because, at least, any of those TTs are really good.

Your Moerch tonearm alternative is a very good choice.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
restock OP
831 posts
 
Raul, thanks very much for your response. I have always been impressed with your analog setups and been following your responses on the forum.

I wish I would be able to afford a Galibier or Simon Yorke, or even just an Acoustic Solid One. The Spacedeck with its alloy platter seems like an affordable option using materials that make sense for a turntable design. So far I have not been a fan of acrylic tables or platters.

So far I am almost set on the Sapcedeck. As for the arm I am still not quite sure. The Moerch arm looks like a good choice for the Spacedeck as well, so that I am now considering either the Spacedeck with either arm. Especially the flexibility of the Moerch arm and to be able to adapt it to a wide variety of cartridges is tempting.

Does anyone have some comments on the different arms (Moerch vs. Ace space) on a Spacedeck?
restock OP
831 posts
 
Also, just an important update on the side: I started a similar thread on the Vinyl Asylum and got some very good and helpful answers:

Vinyl Asylum: Time for a "massive" turntable: Spacedeck vs Scheu

Vinyl Asylum: Nottingham Spacedeck: Spacearm vs Morch UP4

Enjoy!

Rene
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,343 posts
 
I have not heard any Moerch arms, but I have owned two Spacedecks and both the Space arm and now the Ace-Space. Other arms I have had on this table:

RB600
Bluenote Borromeo
Bluenote Borghese
OL Encounter

To my ears, none had the synergy of Nottingham's own arms. And I believe the Ace-Space offers an improvement over the old arm. I think to hear this table at it's best, you will want to opt for the Ace-Space or the Ace-Anna.

Oz
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