Brinkmann/Spiral Groove/TW Acustic Black Night...?


Hi,

I'm seriously considering one of these turntables at the moment, and I would truly appreciate any opinions regarding them related to sonics, reliability, flexibility, ease of use & maintenance etc.

The candidates are:

- Brinkmann Balance anniversary (turntable, 10.5 tonearm, Ti-cartridge, tube power supply, HRS-platform)

- Spiral Groove SG1 + Centroid tonearm

- TW Acustic Black Night + Raven 10.5 tonearm

The price for these setups (used or new) are quite similar when adding a cartridge within the 4-5000$ price range to the Spiral Groove and TW Acoustic tables. But, I can get the Black Knight + Raven 10.5 tonearm new at about the same price as the others used.

I'm using the Brinkmann Bardo today, which I believe is a very neutral and reliable table. But, to some degree it doesn't manage to engage me enough emotionally being rather correct and slightly sharp around the edges. What I'm looking for in an upgrade is first and foremost a more generous and musical presentation (warmth, scale, texture, body, flow) - more music and less hifi if you wish.

My taste in music is varied, but I tend to optimize my system based on what I listen to the most (sing- and songwriters), which means that the handling of voices, acoustical instruments and piano are critical.

So far, my gut feeling tells me that the TW Acoustics Black Night might be the answer partnered with the right cartridge.

Of the three, only the Brinkmann Balance is available locally for audition.

My phono is the Zanden 1200 MKIII. The rest of the system consists of an Aesthetix Callisto Eclipse (preamp), Karan KA M2000 (monos) and Sonus Faber Futura (speakers). Cabling is Nordost Valhalla (power) + Kubala Sosna Elation (interconnects).

Any inputs are most welcome!
128x128sidekick_i
We have the Bardo and Balance in our store and I have listened to them both extensively. IMO the Bardo sounds like a really good table (and it is) the Balance just disappears, leaving a black canvas for the music to emerge from - it is ethereal... Quiet, dense and engaging.

Dealer disclaimer, but those are my honest feelings.
Kwb, The Balance is belt drive, correct? I've heard both of those in the same system and I agree with your observations.

I'm curious. As a dealer, do you recommend any form of isolation under the Brinkmann tables? I heard them under Vibraplanes, and I have a Vibraplane under my SME. I think some serious attempt at isolating these tables can make a very big improvement to their performance. Thanks.
I am obviously not KWB, but the BRINKMAN BALANCE is not a DD. Belt drive, and a very good one at that. Had one a few years ago, did move on though. Now using a PBN AUDIO GROOVE MASTER DD, which is essentially a highly modded VPI DD.

CHEERS.......T
Hi Peter, yes the Brinkmann table being a mass loaded design benefits greatly from an isolation base. Brinkmann recommends HRS and I have also heard the table on top of a Vibraplane Both sounded very good, not sure which I preferred - I need to hear them again side by side which I plan on doing soon.