Sound differences between Galibier and Teres

If you're comparing belt drive versions, I can tell you from experience that the sound of either table can be softened or made more accurate by your choice of belt materials. I've used perhaps a dozen different belts on our Teres rigs and others have done the same on their Galibiers, with results ranging from downright mushy to razor tight. (The same belts give very similar results on each, since both use very similar motors.)

Fine tuning this sonic parameter is so easy with either of these tables that I'd recommend choosing between them based on aesthetics and budget, not tonal differences.

The Teres Verus (rim drive) is a different animal. It's softer than the tightest belt drive setups and the controller includes an adjustment that lets you adjust this still further. Speed accuracy and tonal clarity do not match the very best belt drive setups, but if you truly prefer softness then those may not be big priorities for you. For your stated priority it's worth a look.

My preference is for the Galibier range, or the Teres acrylic platters as I didn't like how their wood platters sounded.

However, since you are keen on either range of TT, it would be best to pay a visit to both manufacturer's in Colorado and listen to both.

Cmk: What did the Teres wood platter sound like to you in contrast to the acrylic or the Galibier ?

Well the wood platter sounded very diffuse, whereas the acrylic (lead filled) and the Galibier produced much more stable soundstaging.

I think they are more alike than not. I find them both to be very accurate to what is on the LP and both have a very low noise floor. It is very hard for us to know what a relaxed, softer sound means to you. When I first read that I thought that perhaps you are looking at the wrong tables, but that is based on what I consider relaxed and soft. I don't consider either of these tables relaxed and soft but Doug makes excellent points about changing the sound with belts.

Cmk's advice is spot on. If you are considering investing in either of these table you should really try to visit Denver and hear both for yourself. I don't agree that the acrylic platters sound better than the wood, but that is personal preference.