Continuum Caliburn - really the best TT on earth?

01-09-10: Breuninger
"To me, a turntable is part art, part performance."

Yes!

it is of course an extreme hobby and maybe we all are not judged by average parameters as it is the case of other extreme hobbies too - also regarding prices and money! I just had a book in hands called "Toys For Boys", the Caliburn is displayed carrying a not connected Lyra Olympos...

as we are human beings living together with humans & good friends our hobby does have a certain impact on their life too. My dog loves the music but not all of my family members regard the TTs of "that afficinado" as a sane issue.

When it comes to buying the next TT this could become not only a matter of pleasure as Breuninger described it (agree completely!!!) but we are responsible to define the conditions how it may become a joyful enterprise.

Raul, I was going the path you followed and considered bying the Cobra tonearm or maybe the Copperhead as Halcro did. Then I thought why should I add another arm without having the mounting space. Of course I could dismount one of my arms. I am currently so happy with this armada (sorry!) I would not like to change anything.

Lewm, I am also very happy with the sound. The Wilsons are matched with the Omegas and the ML-32 using Stealth Dream and Crystal Cable Dreamline silver cables. It sounds warm but with a punchy background especially when you are using a FR-7fz in a FR-66s.

Nevertheless the Caliburn is a big instrument incoporating very interesting technolgies in TT-building. Michael Fremer has described this very well in his two articles on the Caliburn and Criterion. What I don`t like is the old fashioned looking Castellan stand. It is not a plug & play table. Some people say you need two days to build it up.

So maybe looking for a smaller solution?

Thuchan,
I'm not sure what you mean by...."it is not a plug & play table"?
The table comes with the Cobra arm mounted so all you need to do is plug in the vacuum module and the speed controller, install your cartridge and play. Two days to build it up?.....they must be thinking of the Walker.
In any case the Continuum retailer or distributor will be setting it up for you initially.

If you have a sturdy wall mounted shelf, this is as good as using the floor-mounted Castellan stand if you don't like the look of the stand?

Have fun in your quest.

To give you an idea of how I test things:
This is a 126 MB file so it will take a minute to load. I'll keep it up for a day or so :)
http://www.moneyrec.com/vids/audiogon.avi

Halcro,

yes it is a really time consuming expedition. I know it from Chris (& Steve) in Atlanta, who really knows how to build it up. But in any case I would not do it without the support of Continuum people.

It is a bit easier with the Criterion. You are right one may use other stands like the Castellan. Maybe I am going to use a Copulare Grand Porto in black & silver... have to think about it...

enjoy your excellent system - Eckart