Brinkman Balance Comparisons

SME 30/2 with IV-VI arm is the best source I have heard. Comparisons across systems and cartridges are probably not valid, but everybody does it anyway, and I would say within the limitations of this kind comparison, the SME 30 is better than the full bore Shindo Garrard and a Rockport Sirius III I heard in far more expensive systems. However, some listeners don't want something that doesn't add or subtract to the signal, they want something that "adds" in a euphonic way, so your mileage and taste may vary.

I like the Audio Federation's blog on high end turntable comparison. Their take is that above the $20,000 retail threshold, the difference between high end turntables could be accounted for by adding or subtracting a "tweak" from the system i.e. changing phono cartridges, phono stages etc. With this in mind, all of those turntables would be more or less equivalent in sound quality with minor qualitative or subjective differences. This would make the Brinkmann table with arm and tubed power supply in that kind of estimation just about the best retail "bargain" amongst the various and sundry high end turntables, since it tends to come in at that retail price point. Maybe the Raven, HRX, SME 20, Avid etc. would be "two tweaks" away from this league, which would mean a lot could be equalized by system dependence and synergy.
The Audio Federation blog wasn't entirely impressed by the Caliburn, for instance.

Having owned a SME 30/2 for close to four years, I know it well. I know have a TW Acustic and think it is just as good if not better in some areas, such as pitch stability.
I find it more enjoyable to listen to musically and it was much less money even with buying the SME used. Perhaps the ony advantage the SME has over the Raven is the built in isolation, but still the TW is very quiet and it take a lot to upset the TW.

Hi Carl,

You completely negated everything you said in your comments regarding system and cartridges and how everything is different, and tough to compare - so how can you then say the SME30 is 'better' than the Shindo 301? The fact that I've taken in an SME 30, Kuzma Reference and two Brinkmans in trade toward Shindo 301 Player Systems this year alone, is testament to a particular quality the Shindo has that no other table does.

Sincerely,
-Matt
pitch perfect audio, LLC

HI, Matt,

Shindo is outstanding. I just acquired the SME 30 in my own system after hearing the Shindo and comparisons are, as stated, across systems and are probably limited in validity due to the built in comprimises of the comparison. I do prefer the SME 30 overall for detail and balance in my own system. I think the thrust of the comments are that the high performance turntables can be similar in performance above a certain price point. I certainly think the Shindo gear is wonderful, but I am entitled to a personal preference based on my own listening. I think you should read the comments in context. Everybody should hear the Shindo gear for themselves, it is a fantastic system, but what is important to listeners might be different especially with different system topologies. I have enormous respect for the Shindo equipment and would recommend it to anybody.
Please don't go ballistic over subjective impressions, they are to be taken as always with a grain of salt and this does not represent an attack of Shindo, which I still admire based on my listening.
The high end is very competitive with a lot of people making unfounded comparisons. I guess I will just stop posting opinions if the result is defensive, I forgot that when you get into the higher price componenets it becomes a small world.