Sound differences between Galibier and Teres

Doug Deacon, If you don't mind sharing; What exactly are you using for belt material? IOW, Is it 0.001" or 0.002" thick mylar? Are you using a tensioner?
What material is the pulley made from? I've seen numerous posts regarding the degree of importance you state when it comes to belt material but I have no idea what exactly you are personally using.

Dan_ed: I'm in western North Carolina, not far from Asheville. I know of only one other Audiogon member nearby, and he owns neither table. As for those who suggest I make the trip to Colorado for auditions, I realize you mean well, however "separating" from the entire system and identifying the sound contribution made by the turntables exclusively is a formidable task to say the least. I suspect I'll just have to go with my gut feeling and assume that either will not likely disappoint.

Ha! I used to own a cabin in Glenville, N.C. Anyway, I'd suggest contacting Thom and Chris. They might be able to put you in contact with someone. There are many audio folks who don't spend time on the 'net.

Opus88,

I feel confident you will get a good handle on the strengths and house sound of each table by visiting Colorado. Unfortunately, since it's impossible to listen to the Teres and Galibier at home in your system (not to mention some of the other fine table out there), visiting Colorado is the next best alternative.

I was fortunate to hear the Serac at the RMAF and in my opinion it is a great value because you get almost all of the performance of the Stelvio at a fraction of the cost. I also had the opportunity to listen to the Redpoint Model D and it is also excellent, sharing many of the qualities of the Teres and Galibier. To my ear it sounds more like the Galibier (no surprise) and the purple anodizing is very cool! But for me, the Stelvio offered a greater value at its price point. I'd be glad to email/talk with you offline...

No question getting to know the makers is important, and visiting them in person would certainly help. I'll only say that Chris is taller but Thom has more hair!

Frank_sm,

We've tried multiple belts and have swapped with both Teres and Galibier owners. All reported similar results.

If you search my answers you'll see I've listed them in the past, ranked in order, but to summarize: on these tables the best performing belt material we know of is the 1/2" holographic mylar sold by McCormick's. Item # 6033665.

This material, which is slightly thicker than .002", is what Galibier uses for their belts. Teres supplies belts made from .002" clear mylar. The holographic is slightly better than the clear .002" at maintaining pace through transients. Either one is MUCH better than .001".

One minor problem with the holographic mylar is that it can shed the silver backing material over time, onto your platter and/or motor capstan. I'm working on a fix but haven't gotten 'round to trying it yet.

I don't know what Galibier's motor capstans are made of. Teres used to use delrin but newer motors have another material. I'm not sure what it is (maybe resin-impregnated glass fiber?) but the surface is a little rougher, which might make for less slippage.

No tensioner (yet) though it's an interesting idea. I assume you've seen Frank Schroeder's prototype table? He showed one at RMAF that incorporated that concept.