Spacedeck compared with Gyrodec SE

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