Spacedeck compared with Gyrodec SE

Great choices in tables and overall a dynamite plan you have plotted out. I have not heard the Spacedeck/Spacearm, but I have owned 2 different Gyro SEs and they are great. Great new DC motor, fantastic engineering, sprung so its not prone to footfalls etc and its upgradable in many different ways (Michell stock powersupplies, Orbe platter, new Tom Evans powersupply, various Pederson mods (http://pedersensgyro.hjem.wanadoo.dk/index_english.htm)).

If that is a new, stock Rb300 you have your eyes one, I would strongly suggest you look for a modified RB250 instead as it is better by far. Your choice of cartridge and phonostage can hardly be faulted - that should be a killer combination. I have owned the 10X and 20X and used the EAR834p with them, with a Gyro and different arms including the Rb250, and it was great. A LO MC like the 17D2 and the robust P75 phonostage should be a great match. I am sure no matter what combination of deck and arm you choose, overall you would have a superb vinyl system. Saying so probably doesn't help make a decision, but without hearing both rigs its the best objective answer I've got.

I'm right where Bmckenney is (ie, haven't heard either of those rigs). I HAVE heard a stock Rega and own a modded one (OL Silver). There's no comparison. I doubt a stock Rega could come anywhere near a Spacearm either.

Otherwise you've got two well regarded tables to choose from, I expect either one would satisfy. That's not much help I know. Hopefully someone who's actually heard both tables will chime in.

Audiogon member "4yanx" has done a direct comparison test that included the Gyro and the Spacedeck. The test used the same tonearm and cartridge being transferred from one deck to the other. Perhaps he could be kind enough to comment on this. It is also written in the archives, as I have read it here previously.

Kirk,
Glad to see you followed up by posting the question here. Sounds like you've narrowed it down to 2 great TTs.
When I suggested the Spacedeck/Spacearm to you, I didn't go into detail as to what led me to that turntable. These are my own opinions distilled from combo of personal experiences and what I've been able to absorb here & elsewhere from the likes of those commenting here before me.
- No suspension often = better performance in this price range. IMHO, when designing around a budget, designers must make compromises. I prefer to see more of the cost go towards the components that contribute more directly to overall sound. Yes, this means I need to have a solid setup(in my case w/Neuance shelf on a heavy Billy Bags rack), but that appoach makes sense to me.
- Puny motor/no switch, novel approach. Some have said that the "Nott motor isn't the greatest." But, since it doesn't need the to power to get the platter "from 0 to 33 1/3", it makes sense. Ergonomics of the manual start are a kick, too!
- Character of the "Nott sound": Big images wide & deep, emerging from a black background, plenty of PRAT, and a natural timbre. Perhaps not the ultimate in dynamic contrasts, nor the most transparent compared to some other tables, but always musical, never calling attention to itself.
- Good engineering, lousy marketing: the value 1-2 punch ;-)

As I haven't heard a Gyro SE, can't comment on it, although I did enjoy listening to older Michele's that I've heard. Keep us posted. Cheers, Spencer

Thank you to all who have responded. I have been making some inquiring phone calls to dealers that carry both lines and have almost been told unanimously the Nottingham Spacedek seems to be a bit more musical, as well as a bit more performance for the money.

Along with some phone calls, my cartridge and phono amp presumptions have changed as well. I would now be considering the following:

Nottingham Spacedek with Rega RB-700 arm with Shelter 501 cartridge coupled with the EAR834p phono amp.

The above arm combination was recommended over the Space arm as to have better compliance with the Shelter 501, and the next justifiable upgrade step to a Koetsu Black. Does this recommendation seem logical?

I am still considering the Gyro SE, so if anyone does have direct comparisons or advice, please do chime in.

Again, sincere thanks for everyones help and input.