Yes, despite the high-quality suspension, I have had trouble with footfalls causing skipping.
I have only heard this 'table with the Grado Sonata, which hums a tiny bit at the end of a side. I'd recommend another, shielded cartridge (I like the Ortofon 2ms, but haven't had experience with a lot of current cartridges).
In any case, the soundstage is large. Tonally, this is an extremely warm-sounding combo. There is a lot of clean detail, but this would never be accused of being bright or shrill. It is indeed great at rock! I didn't notice it lacking with jazz or classical though.
I replaced my modern Technics 1200 mk II (with KAB fluid damper and cardas rewire) with the Systemdek and was very pleased at the easy sense of musicality. I think the modern 1200 is a good-sounding deck, but it's not in the same league as the Systemdek.
Another 'table to check out is the Yamaha PF-800. Last summer they were going for outrageous prices, but you can occasionally find one now for under $400.
That Thorens looks pretty sweet, too!
I have only heard this 'table with the Grado Sonata, which hums a tiny bit at the end of a side. I'd recommend another, shielded cartridge (I like the Ortofon 2ms, but haven't had experience with a lot of current cartridges).
In any case, the soundstage is large. Tonally, this is an extremely warm-sounding combo. There is a lot of clean detail, but this would never be accused of being bright or shrill. It is indeed great at rock! I didn't notice it lacking with jazz or classical though.
I replaced my modern Technics 1200 mk II (with KAB fluid damper and cardas rewire) with the Systemdek and was very pleased at the easy sense of musicality. I think the modern 1200 is a good-sounding deck, but it's not in the same league as the Systemdek.
Another 'table to check out is the Yamaha PF-800. Last summer they were going for outrageous prices, but you can occasionally find one now for under $400.
That Thorens looks pretty sweet, too!