Is this why my analog rig isn't so hot?

Once again, I'm deeply humbled by all your replies. What can I say except to say I feel very lucky to have come across you all and reading your input.

Thank you!

What's surprising, though, is the Teres - or the non-recommendation of it. This is indeed a sought-after table right here at the Audiogon. If I remember right, this is the second time that I've heard someone giving it a thumbs-down. He had a Teres, tried everything to build around it, and finally, to his dismay, had to give up the table. He settled for a Mitchell.

So now I'm back to square one and don't mind it at all. At least I could read up on all the tables recommended and audition them with an open mind (and ear). And telling myself the most popular (or prettiest) isn't necessarily the best one!

Regards,
George

Raul said "I have more than 35 years in testing analog rig and, beyond what Ken told us, the 70% to 80% of the quality of the sound reproduction comes from the tonearm/cartridge combo"...

I would have to side with Ken on his interpretation of this one. That is, it spoke volumes about Raul's point of view.

As far as i'm concerned, changing the table that ANY arm / cartridge combo is on will alter the tonal balance, harmonic structure, noise floor, sense of timing, steadiness of pitch, etc... These all have to do with the support structure that makes up the plynth, the mass and resonant characteristics of the table on the whole, the accuracy and steadiness of the motor, the play in the bearing / platter, etc...

As you might surmise, i disagree with Raul's comment whole-heartedly. With that in mind, i can see why we differ on our thougths about the Denon 103 series of cartridges. We obviously have very different experiences and ways of looking at things.

As a side note, the Stanton 881S has a compliance rating of appr 35. It is obviously best suited for a low mass arm. Sean
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George,

If I am thinking of the same person who gave up on the Teres, it does come to mind that this person did concede that perhaps he didn't have the best suited stand for it. Every table has it's fans and detractors. But as we all know this whole audio component choice thing is highly subjective. I believe that Ken is attempting to recommend a table to you based on what he believes you would want to hear. Short of a side by side audition of several tables I suppose that is the best most can do. If you think that he does know what you want to hear then maybe his advice is good for you. But I think that it is a big stretch to go from there to condeming several respected makes of tables. Anyway, good luck in your search for what sounds good to you.

Raul,
What's the difference between static compliance and dynamic compliance value? some cartridge company gives you static compliance and some dynamic compliance. What does all this mean? I just know that my cartidge is a high compliance according to the manufacutres website and from professional reviewers.

George, with your system as it stands, how much can you turn up the vol pot on your passive pre? 8 o'clock? 9 o'clock? 12 o'clock?

Compare this when playing CDs and LPs.

Also what cables are you using between the source (phono/CD) and your preamp?