Brinkman Balance Comparisons

I have no experience with the tables under discussion, but I find it soooo interesting (though to me, not surprising) that Vetterone has noticed something special about a direct drive table.

Besides Teres, the new Goldmund Reference will be DD (the original was belt) and of course, Micro Seiki was going that way toward the end of their production. Today, a number of other prominent makers are considering this option.

A well designed and executed DD TT will in my opinion outperform any other design at the same price point. It's a simple and elegant solution to so many TT mechanical problems. And modern electronic parts/technology will make this approach even more attractive.

As a mechanical solution, belt drives and idler wheels are so . . . . . . . British (if you've ever owned a British car, you know what I mean ;--)
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Vetterone,

Thank you very much for your thorough ecplanation. I have heard good things about the new DD Teres. I wonder if the high torque motors with BD that some people use is a bridge between your traditional low torque BD and a DD.

Andrew

Fremer's recent Stereophile review of the AC Raven just happens to include some comparisons to the three tables you mention.

Hi Steve, Andrew and gang!

Steve, what a thoughtful and complete description you gave. I always learn a bit more when we talk. I am also in the search for a new TT and tonearm (remember the Tri-Planer) and would love to ask you (Steve/Andrew) you thoughts about the Galibria line. I am interested in the Glavia and heard it at someone's home. However, you can never really tell how good the piece of equipment you are auditioning when the system you hear it on is totally new to you and your ears!!!
That said, Steve/Andrew....any comments about the Glavia? I believe it is quite good (Dan chime in) and with a good arm (Tri-Planer/Graham/Schroder) it will keep me happy for many years. The only problem is that the unit is produced in Colorado and the set-up would be done by someone associated with the table here in NYC. I am an "all thumbs" person and require assistance in with arm/table set up.
That said......I also was interested in the idle wheel TT but they are so difficult to find to listen to.

Anyway......any thoughts/comments?

P.S. Andrew I always love your topics !

RWD (Rick)

Hi Rick,

Thanks for your comments and it's too bad we never met at the Vaccum tube show last year. Anyway, I think the Triplanar is a good arm. I have been using it now for about 1 year and it is very easy to use and adjust parameters. Because of that, I have been able to appreciate the impact of fine tuning VTF, VTA and azimuth.

I don't have experience with other top arms, But peole in the know say the Triplanar is close to neutral.

The Graham Phantom is supposed to be very good and has the option to have multiple armwands for multiple cartridges.

If I were to buy a second or third arm it would be the Schroder DPS and the Ikeda IT-345. The latter having the ability to swap headshells. But ultimately, you need to make sure the cartridges and arms are compatible.

As far as the Galibier goes, I think it is one of the top TT's. Very well made and a good value which you would enjoy for a long time. I just don't have a lot of excperience with it. I'm planning to go to CES this year and I hope to listen to it and meet Thom in person.

Dan Ed has good experience with the Galibier. Also, I would not worry about having it set up by someone in the NYC area.

Andrew