Direct drive vs belt vs rim vs idler arm

The Final Audio Parthenon indeed represented engineering which was ahead of its time. Dover, for clarification, the latest version Artisan Fidelity Garrard 301 Statement uses an internally damped Magnesium alloy based and Copper modular platter with inverted hydrodynamic bearing. You were correct, however, in that the first production runs utilized an Aluminum and Copper based platter architecture and incorporated internal damping provisions.

A close friend who lives in France has a Platine Verdier which he just recently replaced with one of the new Kronos turntables, the belt drive with a counter-rotating platter underneath the top platter. He put his Verdier up for sale immediately upon hearing the Kronos. The major problem that I saw with the Verdier is its top heaviness; you have a huge massive platter way up at the top with a rubbery set of feet way down below. It's bound to wobble, even if microscopically. I know there is a heavy granite base too, which probably serves to ameliorate the problem, at least mostly. And then there is the motor, mounted several feet away on a stationary platform; not such a good idea, either, IMO. On the other hand, when I have heard the Platine at shows and in showrooms, it sounds very "nice".

A close friend who lives in Germany has a Platine Verdier which beats nearly everything which is out there. But it is an original one with the original magnets from Mr. Verdier.
The next models were DIY units with various magnets and variable results. They can't be compared, the name Verdier is also used for inferior copies. Mr. Verdier published from time to time some hints on his website to "His Pirates" knowing very well that they will never get it....always funny to read.
The original Verdier is a work of a Genius who solved a lot of Problems modern units still show.

Hi Peter
I would like to give my biased opinion for what it is worth as a High end audio seller. What we all need to remember this is a forum and it is on the subject of audio equipment where there can never be a out right winner only a personal favorite & biased what is best opinion in your own audio system.

After living with several Garrard turn tables (301 & 401) that I really enjoyed musically, JC Verdier (Dover) has been talking about, Simon Yorke S7, SME 20/2 and now the SME 30/12 is my favorite & reference turn table for a wide range of music.

I have enjoyed music played on all the above turn tables in my audio systems over the years, but if I had to choose one turn table to keep for ever it would be the SME 30/12.

Congratulations Jason. I knew you would love this table. Another acquaintance just got one with the V-12 arm and AirTight Supreme, and he could not be happier.

What cartridge are you using and would you mind describing what you like so much about the 30/12? Thanks.