Maxx,
When you get to the top end of TT designs, preference is definitely very personal. Any of the above will give you a really stable platform on which you can let your chosen arm/cart/phono stage sing. In some ways, this is your bigger conundrum, getting synergy with the rest of your system, your room and the music you like to play.
If you live in the US, getting a demo, let alone a home demo is a real problem, whereas for us Brits, the travelling distances to dealers are relatively easy. Dealer backup is really important, unless you're used to setting up TTs, arms and carts. Having continuing backup after your purchase is a key element in your long term enjoyment, if you're a vinyl newbie. If you're like me (having set up TTs now for nearly 30 years), then dealer backup (apart from quality control issues) are less important.
If you're in the US, I would seriously consider a trip to NYC to see Jeff at Highwater Sound. TW TTs, TRON phono stages etc and great backup.
Happy Christmas shopping!
Charlie
When you get to the top end of TT designs, preference is definitely very personal. Any of the above will give you a really stable platform on which you can let your chosen arm/cart/phono stage sing. In some ways, this is your bigger conundrum, getting synergy with the rest of your system, your room and the music you like to play.
If you live in the US, getting a demo, let alone a home demo is a real problem, whereas for us Brits, the travelling distances to dealers are relatively easy. Dealer backup is really important, unless you're used to setting up TTs, arms and carts. Having continuing backup after your purchase is a key element in your long term enjoyment, if you're a vinyl newbie. If you're like me (having set up TTs now for nearly 30 years), then dealer backup (apart from quality control issues) are less important.
If you're in the US, I would seriously consider a trip to NYC to see Jeff at Highwater Sound. TW TTs, TRON phono stages etc and great backup.
Happy Christmas shopping!
Charlie