First used turntable +- $20,000. Any suggestions?

Detlof,

I totally agree with your definition of Musical vs Analytical. This def could also be extended to harmonics and other detail 'tones'

Gregm also said plenty with this remark " ...(unmusical), i.e. with phase & timing problems & other irregularities."

Both definition of course assumes that you have basic fundamental tonal balance is comparable to start with but it is the 'other' qualities and irregularities differs/absent.

IMO, the phrase "God is in the details" is relevant to remember here.

...and one of those "details" is the naturalness with which they are presented.

The idea that one must give up detail for musicality is reactionary.

As usual, balance.

...and then there is the small matter of the recording.

Piedpiper,
the phrase is actually "the devil is in the details", meaning an effort can go terribly wrong if one of its details is not right. Vide: A rig will only sound as good as its weakest part. That's were the adversary sits.

By the way, another thought, just for the fun of it: Real music, besides being "musical" per definition is only "analytical" if we want it to be, if we specially listen for it, concentrating on different aspects of the live musical message....and if we do, we won't be able to stand our rigs for quite a while, especially if it is too analytical. As you rightly say, balance.....

Haven't read all the threads but looks like no one has suggested an SME. Is that cos it is brit rather than yank? Just wondered.

SME is certainly a beautifully built contender but, IME, a bit mechanical sounding for my taste, compared to the best of its competition.