Rolf Gemein (the founder of Symphonic Line) has modified an Ekos for his own RG6 TT in his house. He said to me that the Ekos needs all these extra modifications, but even then, it is impossible to approach the performance of a Pluto 5A (5A is Pluto's entry model) and advices to stay in the Pluto family. I don't have first hand experience with Ekos, but it was said that it's bearings were very prompt to misalignment during a short period of use, so maybe it is better to avoid the Ekos at the second hand market.
SAEC has also the 317 but no one has it yet. Raul has the 308 & 506 (and maybe even the 8000 I'm not so sure), Halcro has the 308, Nandric had the 407, Tuchan has the 506 & 8000. I choose the 308SX 'cause of the very elevated quality of parts but I've never heard another model. What I must say about 308 models, is that you must not purchase any of them with the ULS-3X headshell 'cause it is not sloted and therefore you can't align per Baerwald. Keep in mind that all SAEC models (except the WE-8000ST) have come with a wrong angle at their armtube and you have to twist the cartridge at the headshell. Forget the 308N which is the entry model and also the 8000 that is impossible to find. Now the late Allen Wright (1947-2011) of Vacuum State after many years dedicated use of the 407, has returned to the 308SX. Although the 407 demands almost no twist at the headshell and the 308SX needs over 10 degrees! it seems the 308SX has something better in it's form of armtube or bearing housing. Tuchan advices me for the 506 that asks for a minimum twist (the cartridge at the headshell) and I trust his taste and opinion. I'm only want to add, that it is better to avoid the ULS-3X 18gr ceramic headshell. It is very inconvenient, extremely expensive and to my experience is a no-no with the SAEC models due to it's fixed holes for the cartridge. I'm using the Zonotone Z-Shell 10 and I'm extremely satisfied.
Bright? almost. But very vivid fo sure. (prepare your self for a big surprise). But I'm only refering to the WE-308SX. Not the 506. Maybe this 12" is better for your needs.
It is 07:00 and I have to go to my work now.
Have a nice day
SAEC has also the 317 but no one has it yet. Raul has the 308 & 506 (and maybe even the 8000 I'm not so sure), Halcro has the 308, Nandric had the 407, Tuchan has the 506 & 8000. I choose the 308SX 'cause of the very elevated quality of parts but I've never heard another model. What I must say about 308 models, is that you must not purchase any of them with the ULS-3X headshell 'cause it is not sloted and therefore you can't align per Baerwald. Keep in mind that all SAEC models (except the WE-8000ST) have come with a wrong angle at their armtube and you have to twist the cartridge at the headshell. Forget the 308N which is the entry model and also the 8000 that is impossible to find. Now the late Allen Wright (1947-2011) of Vacuum State after many years dedicated use of the 407, has returned to the 308SX. Although the 407 demands almost no twist at the headshell and the 308SX needs over 10 degrees! it seems the 308SX has something better in it's form of armtube or bearing housing. Tuchan advices me for the 506 that asks for a minimum twist (the cartridge at the headshell) and I trust his taste and opinion. I'm only want to add, that it is better to avoid the ULS-3X 18gr ceramic headshell. It is very inconvenient, extremely expensive and to my experience is a no-no with the SAEC models due to it's fixed holes for the cartridge. I'm using the Zonotone Z-Shell 10 and I'm extremely satisfied.
Bright? almost. But very vivid fo sure. (prepare your self for a big surprise). But I'm only refering to the WE-308SX. Not the 506. Maybe this 12" is better for your needs.
It is 07:00 and I have to go to my work now.
Have a nice day