Hmm, I haven't had a chance to hear my XX-2 mkII that is being rebuilt by Soundsmith, but my impression is that the GTA difference I very minimal whereas many seem to think the upgrade from the. 20X2L to XX-2 is a big one (incl Don Better IIRC). And I don't see anyone in this thread saying that the GTA is a big sonic upgrade? Where are you finding this concensus you refer to? I'd be interested in seeing those impressions.
Well Tempered Amadeus Options
Hi Guys, As I'm avid WTL Classic fan and have owned over three different versions since '93 ending with a Classic MK V version last year. But after having a chance to hear the Amadeus at Don Better Audio in Cleveland Ohio this past November I've come to the realization that had I heard this table in Feburary of said year I know what would be residing on my stand right now. But my question is ask I only intend to do this one time.............., I'm in the position to get either the standard white ball version or the more upscale GTA version with the alumium plinth and black golf ball attachment that cost $3.700 here in the States where the basic one goes for $2.850!, as I've been following the trends here regarding this table in general I'm merely wondering which route have you guys taken?, and if there is in fact a better sound being rendered by the more costly unit?, or is it purely based upon overall appearance and little if anything to do with better Fidelity?. I merely wish to go this route one time and be done with it, so your opinions with more then likely be weighed quite heavily I might add. So fellow WTL owners please share your tales and tell me what's what!. Regards, Oscar
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I'll bet you could platform the standard Amadeus on a heavy butcher block cutting board for $96 and it would make any difference between the two turntable versions go away. I have my SL1210 M5G on one (with Vibrapod cones above and silicone gel pads below) and it made a significant difference in draining the noise floor and improving dynamics and clarity--not that the Amadeus needs a lot of that. But again, I think the differences between the two TT versions would disappear. I recommended it to an audio buddy who has a belt-drive Music Hall and he got great results as well. |
Chashas1, I actually put this same posting here along with Audioasylum and on Pinkfishmedia and was able to get quite a bit of feedback on the other forums as well. It was Jason Hector whom rights for several British magazine along with a few others whom said it would get better results from using the GTA version with a 20x2 as opposed to using a XXmk2 on the standard version - and seeming that I used to assist in demos where Linn used to show the importance of the best Table first rule followed by tonearm and then the cartridge - always sounded better and made more logical sense then having a cheaper table with a state of the art tonearm and cartridge. It merely proved that in other to recieve all of the information buried in the grooves the table has to be up to par - as a friend of mine talks about the differences as heard to his ears in regard to Push Pull amps vs SET, which goes no one in their right might would build an amp that uses EL34's all out as they would with one based on 300B's or 845's that's like putting tires from Walmart on a BMW 750. In the end I got his point. For now I'm more concerned with getting the best version of the table I'm able to afford and worry about which route to go as far as better cartridges at a later date - Don also likes the EMT - esd 15 on these tables as well where some have even recommended using the Dynavector XV-1t - not in my lifetime................, I'd rather have 2-3 backup cartridges for that price, but that's just me being particle. Or cheap - it's one or the other. Regards, Oscar |
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