Analog under 2k?

OK, but if I go 3k, am I better off with a Teres or a Hyperspace with Space arm? There's one here for 2900. Then all I need is a good cartridge.

That's a good question for 4yanx. He has done quite a bit of comparing between those two brands.

Twl,

Or anybody. Does anyone know anything about the Loth-X Othello? There are a couple of good deals on this table with arm for about a grand. I have read Twl's opinions of their speakers, and wondered about the table.

Anyone?

P.S. It DOES have the visual appeal I am looking for!

For a grand, it is a good deal.

It has some good things going for it. Like a DC motor system that seems to be pretty good. It has a moderately thick platter that is not too flimsy. Pretty decent layout of the design.

It has some other things that aren't all that great. Overall light weight and acrylic construction. Platter not really thick enough or heavy enough. Very little mass in the "plinth" which is just a basic T-shape.

When comparing with the lowest model Teres 135, which shares some common aspects with this Othello, but costs about $1500, the Teres has a marked advantage in certain design aspects. The Teres has a much better bearing structure, much heavier and thicker platter and plinth, the same Swiss-made kind of DC motor, a better motor controller, even better layout design, and a record clamp.
The platter alone on the Teres weighs as much as the complete Othello system. But they both use an acrylic construction, which I consider inferior to the heavy Cocobolo/lead-shot loaded construction of the higher model Teres TTs. I have done some comparisons, and acrylic loses in those comparisons.

Overall, for the money, I think that it has the right stuff at about $1k, and I doubt you'll beat it for that amount. When moving up to $1500, then we have a different story.

Well, after heaaring that I think I knoe what I am going to do. Since I own a woodshop, and am a fairly accomplished woodworker, I think I'm going to call Chris at Teres and build mt own base and platter, using all of his hardware. I think I can build it out of wood I have laying around, finish it, AND do the lead shot in the platter for about $200 (not counting time, of course). I have some Purpleheart laying around, a little walnut burl.......

When you add about $1000 for the braing, motor, clamp and battery system, I think I will be well ahead of the game. After spending a lot of time going over his site, I think I can build a table that will lok good on his Hall Of Fame page.

Now I just need to decide if I want to buy the Loth-X in the mean time. It may work out ok for now, and I can always use a new office system!