To SME or not to SME?

For about a third the money, you can get a Sota Cosmos that has similar design principals as the SME, is US made, comes in a variety of finishes and will likely sound as good or better than the SME. And they partner well with the SME V that you already have. My Cosmos is a revelation compared to my other tables, and not because it does one thing well, but because it does everything well, with no particular emphasis or deficiency. And with the vacuum platter, it has something the SME will never have.

Alterntively, I would guess that the big Basis is the Sota's equal as a 4 point suspended table and either is cheaper, and I think better, than the SME 20. I admit, I havent heard the SME 20, but trying to put together a consensus from what I have read, it seems like a great table with no life or spark, much like marrying a model. I know the Sota is not like that.

Manitunc.
Seriously mate. You haven't heard the SME table and your only source of reference is what you have read on line. Hardly objective commenting!

"and will likely sound as good or better than the SME"...and you know this how?

And as I stated above, herein lies the problem with attaching too much importance to these forums.
While all input is good some is just not very helpful or as in this case just plain biassed in favor of what the commentator owns.
Plus the poster has already bought the table and is now just getting to know it and to try to burst his bubble like this is just not cool.

Enjoy your Sota which I'm sure is very nice, and me and Mikesmith will enjoy our SME's :-)

Aloha!

TW ACUSTIC turntable sounds wonderful great customer service to.

Manitunc,

Have you read the thread? The OP has bought an SME 20/3. Let him enjoy his new purchase and report back his impressions. Congratulations Mikesmith.

Sorry, didnt get to the bottom of the thread. Mea Culpa. enjoy.