TT suggestions -- please

I would only add that there are a LOT of "suspended" turntable designs out on the market now. This does not make them all "equal" in terms of design or immunity to external vibration.

To quote John Atkinson of Stereophile in regards to the Sota design, "it is the turntable that Sir Isaac Newton would have designed". In a direct comparison under identical test conditions, the Sota offered 50 dB's more isolation than a Linn. This is not a "guesstimate" or some made up number, but actual results of bench testing in a review. In fact, in that same review, they reviewer stated that the Sota surpassed any table that they had ever measured at that time by at least 40 - 50 dB's in terms of isolation. Believe me, that is no small feat !!!

In electrical terms, that means that the Sota can withstand over 10,000 times ( equivalent to 40 db's ) the amount of external vibration as a "good" table and still be just as quiet. The reviewer in question considered it to be the "ultimate" in terms of resistance to excitation by external means. With the type of isolation that they were able to measure in direct comparison to other tables, they made that statement for good reason.

The bottom line is this: There is no other table made anywhere near the price that offers the isolation that a properly functioning Sota Sapphire or Sota Star Sapphire offers. NONE. This fact is not debatable. Whether or not you care for the table itself on a cosmetic or functional level is another matter... Sean
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Dennis, the sound of a TT is affected by the type of stand it is placed on. A mass-loaded TT like the Teres or Verdier would sound good on a very heavy rigid stand like yours. A Linn would sound bad on a heavy stand like that. Linn likes a lightweight stand.

So Frank, tell me. How is the Shelter doing on the WB arm? I had another guy ask me about that, and I was wondering what your impressions are.

Tom -- Thanks as always for your comprehensive replies. You are a wealth of knowledge, and I know that you are highly respected on this board for sharing that knowledge.
One more question; How do you keep dust of the Teres?

Nrchy -- thanks for the Sota tip. They look like a very good value and I will certainly look into them.

Frank -- are you happy with the support offered on the Michell's? What is the difference (besides price) between the Gyro and the Orbe? How is the Gyro upgraded? Is it mainly a platter and bearing upgrade? What preamp(s) are you using? What is the output on the 501 -- .25? I'll also second Tom's question on the synergy between the WB and 501.

Sean -- Was this a full review in Stereophile you are referring to? If so, what issue was this in?

Thanks again to all who replied.

GO RAIDERS!!!

Tom -- I forgot to ask you what the differences are between the 103 and 103R? Where can you purchase these? I've seen them listed on A'gon, but they sell very quickly, and I've read that it is not the best decision to purchase a used cartridge anyway. Unless, of course, you know the seller.