Spacedeck compared with Gyrodec SE

OK, I just have one more question about the conditions under which you have listened to these two tables, just so we can understand the complete context. Did you listen to the two tables in the same system/room with the same equipment at the shop? Cartridges, phono amp, the works. I assume the shop carries both tables in this case and while you may not have a done a direct comparison side by side, same everything, at the same time, you have at least done it over some period of time, and in long enough sittings, to have basically compared an apple to an apple. This isn't some sort of inquistition, it's just a desire to understand. And this isn't some I Love My Gyro Its Surely the Best maniac getting all defensive. Hell, I have no problems accepting that some other table may be superior in some respects to the Gyro. However it is nice for someone who's about to make a decision between two tables, who can't hear them both for him/herself, to get as much context as possible in a discussion thread like this. It's not every day that someone asking a which one is better question actually gets an answer from someone who has done a true comparison.

And that part about the thicker platter being the result of perceived market demands in the Big Old USA is pretty funny. On a related subject, I also believe that the Interspace was not discontinued at all; it is just not imported in to the US anymore. It is still available in Canada, and the UK, I believe, as is the Horizon. I guess the US importer doesn't want to confuse Americans with two different decks at the same price point. Actually, I was thinking of getting an interspace instead of the 2nd Gyro because it might have been a better match for one of the arms I use which is never secured or mounted to a plinth or armboard, and it isn't exactly something that I want to put on a sprung open style chassis like a Gyro SE.

It certainly is interesting time for buyers of turntables in the $1500-$2000 range. I don't believe you can go wrong with some of the options out there if you chose wisely, and in that group its more a question of personal preferences in things like sonic traits, design, looks, trends, peer pressure and ease of use etc that decisions are made on.

I will not go into the vagaries of the US 'Not distributor, though I should. Yes, I meant to say that the Interspece is no longer being sold by ASL, not that it is no longer being produced. As for the thicker platter references, these comments came directly from a conversation I had with Tom Fletcher. As others have said, Tom Fletcher makes the comment in alomst every conversation, to the effect, "don't unduly fret over the details, just sit back and enjoy the music!"

The comparison was based on the same EVERYTHING, expect for swapping one arm and cartridge combination between those two, and three other decks. Comparisons done in the same acoustically treated display room over the course of about 15 hours on two separate weekends, using a variety of jazz, classics, rock, and bluegrass on 33 1/3 records and on 45 rpm media when the deck so allowed.

Bottom line. You are correct. There are some very good choices in the price range you mention - clearly tables that one could be satisifed with for a lifetime.

Again, thanks for all of the very helpful information! I was able to speak with the dealer I am working with about the Nottingham Space Deck - specifically about the Space arm vs. the RB700 arm. He did state the Space arm will work equally well with the Shelter cartridge. He was leaning me toward the RB700 arm due to upgradability down the road, as I had mentioned perhaps the Koestu Black as a possible "destination" after the Shelter. Apparently the Space arm may "limit" cartridge choices to Shelter's, Lyra's, Van den Hul's (all excellent choices as well) - however other cartridge lines such as the Koetsu's will require the compliance, etc. of the RB700. It was also pointed out both arms, the Space & RB700 are at similar price points, he was just suggesting to go with the arm that enables you for future upgrades without more hassle down the road. All in all, it seemed very logical, that is of course if the RB700 does perform as well as the Space arm with the Shelter until- and if there is an upgrade to a Koetsu down the road.

Do not forget Orotfon Kontrapunkts with the Spacearm - great synergy. There are a number of other cartridges suitable besides Shelters, Dynas, and Van den Hul. Do a search on the AA board and you will see many suggestions.

Hi,
I guess I've missed most of this discussion, but will add my two cents as a loyal Michell owner. I've owned the Gyro SE and loved it; regret that I sold. I "downsized" and tried the Nott Horizon, admittedly not a fair comparison. However, I found it quite disappointing compared w/ the Gyro, using the same cartridges. I sold and bought a Michell Techno and now am happy again w/ my analog sound, though of course the Techno is not as good as a Gyro. The DC-powered Michells are dynamic, with good frequency extension, very revealing and certainly have PRAT (I have owned an LP12 so I know). I found the Nott to be slow and unrevealing by comparison (some might call it smooth), lacking PRAT, but it is only a $1200 table/arm (though the Techno is only a little more). The Nott was set up by a very experienced analog dealer, just so you know. I heard a Spacedeck once, in an expensive system at a private home (probably at least 30 grand or more). The system was one of the best I've heard, but not sure how to evaluate the Spacedeck given I only heard once and was unfamilar w/ the system or music. Just my opinion, of course.
TLH