Ortofon SPU Synergy

Hi Ron
Sorry for interfering into this thread instead of starting a new one, but I am building a second phono set up (first is SMEV+Koetsu Urushi) arround a restored Thorens 124+12' arm to be decided+SPU and as I have discovered there are so many SPU...I need some experienced help to choose one of them. I am looking for a engaging, emotional, explicit, vivid and open presentation of music. Best regards (and excuses).David

Sorry, there is a mistake in the description of my "first" phono set up; the right one is: SME 20+SME V+Koetsu Urushi
Regards
David

Hey David,
Take a look at Art Dudley's Listening in this month's Stereophile. He has been rebuilding a Thorens 124 and is using an EMT 12" arm with the Synergy SPU. You may also want to checkout the octaveaudio-usa.com site regarding the Thorens Schopper rebuilds and information on the Ortofon arms and cartridges.

Thanks Ron!
I would describe the Reference the same way. It will be nice to hear the Synergy against it!

Hey David,

I have the same plans for the near future...getting a TD124 with a 12" arm, but I now have a 3012R on my Nouvelle Platine Verdier wich should be replace by a EMT 12" therefore the SME should be mounted on the TD124.

For the beginning a SPU classic will do a good job and it's a timeless classic, which makes you forget about hifi. Once I heard a set up of TD124, SPU classic, 3009 and Croft tube electronics on Harbeth speakes at the AAA-Forum (a exhibition mainly for vinyl playback) an this was the very best sound on show, even compared to "all out" installations costing significant more.

One thing to take into account is the right phono amplification, step up transformer. I use the Auditorium23 Hommage T1 and Audio Note Japan AN-S6c and tried a lot of others. The difference are not subtle. It needs a good matching trqansformer to really make the SPU "sing" On my former Gryphon Orestes phonostage I never liked the SPU classic as much as with a good step up over my Paragon 12a tube preamp.

Best regards

Ron