Continuum Caliburn - really the best TT on earth?

Dear Raul,
returning from the High End 2010 in Munich yesterday I was a little dissapointed that the overall interest in analogue gear declined a little (!) in comparison to last years`s show. Of course nearly everyone runs a TT in the showroom but some contenders are missing this time, Continuum too.

Maybe most of the analogue friends are well equipped at the moment. I saw a new Thales arm and the new TW Acoustic arm. Both sounded good.

Dear Thuchan: Maybe the Global Economic Crisis affect the Audio High End market niche.
In the other side it is not easy to manufacturers/designers bring something new when their products are at very high level and where customers that pay high prices for it a few months ago can buy again.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

I am considering testing a Cobra arm on my Criterion. I learned that I need a special bases for the Cobra. Does anybody have experience with a Cobra mounted on a Criterion.? Maybe someone could provide me with his assessment how the two arms differ in sound on this TT...?!

It was interesting to have the opportunity to compare the Continuum Copperhead and the Cobra tone arms on the Criterion. After sometime setting up the tone arms I got a point were critical listening was finally possible.

The Cobra portrays a broader sound, to some extent rounder, with a stunning foundation to top the musical experience. It does however concede a little against the Copperhead in the arenas of speed and higher frequency timbre; perhaps this is the silver wiring that the Copperhead hosts? Nothing is over emphasized such as the dynamics with idler drives.

Yes I enjoy the Copperhead immensely!

The Cobra is hosting a Clearaudio Goldfinger v2 that requires almost 87grms counter weight
Regarding ergonomics I have to say that Azimuth adjustment is far better with the Cobra, lift is not as well placed, and this should really be redesigned given the price tag!
Names? Well I would name the Cobra a “Whale” and the Copperhead a “Dolphin”…. Not that exotic I guess but that will give you an idea!

It is interesting to learn right now from the engineers having developed Cobra and Copperhead that those great arms are 3D designs.