$6-7k to Spend on Turntable


Hi All,

My old Oracle Mark II I have had for years has developed a serious problem with the motor. It plays very fast then slow and anywhere in between. I've decided not to fix it but get a new unit. The arm mounted on it is an SME IV, which I have been very pleased with.

I don't have time to demo a bunch of setups, I'd just like to move ahead on a replacement as soon as I can firm up a good replacement. A few ideas I have come up with within my price range:

- Verdier Platine and mount my old SME IV
- VPI TNT Mk 6 and figure out how to mount my old arm or spend some extra and get the JMW 12.5 if it is an improvement over the SME

Or is there something else out there that I should be considering? I don't tend to follow a lot of the reviews. I usually buy something then use it for years.

Other gear is AR SP-8 and VT-200 driving some Final 0.4s

Thanks,

Ken
iflyfisher
If you ARE looking for an SME 20, I just noticed an SME 20/2 for sale today for $7,950 with an SME IV.vi arm (which you could easily sell for over $1000 thus getting this in your price range). I am an SME 30 owner but have no idea what an SME 20 sounds like, particularly compared to the highly regarded Teres - I just thought I'd bring your attention to this ad. I actually think I have sold some amps to this guy.

Good luck in your hunt.
Dear Larry: +++++ " heard favorable comments about the Teres over the SME 20 (but I can't provide and detail or corroboration). " +++++

With my respect to you, this " rumor " is an irresponsible one that does not help to Teres or anyone and do harm to any including SME.

I have respect for every audio item manufacturer ( including Teres or ZYX. The problem that these does not be my " cup of tea " does not means that I don't respect them for what they do. ) but especially to SME: the skillfull, know-how, technology, quality building, honest designs, etc... are unsurpassed or evenn for any one in the audio industry.
I know that some people like other manufacturer products over the SME ones and that is ok. But when some one post something like you do it is better to have " the hairs in hand " before do that and you don't have it.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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Raul,
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I was simply stating that I could not remember who had told me that they preferred the Teres over the SME 20. I was open and not castigating the SME 20 which I have never heard.
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When I hear something in my own system, I make that known in my postings.
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Me saying that a few people had told me that they preferred a Teres table over and SME 20 is true and that's that. The fact that you have a problem with that is your problem.
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If I had not disclosed up front that I was sharing someone else's opinion and stated that the Teres is superior to the SME 20, that would be unethical and dishonest. But, that is not what I did.
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Please do not respond to me further. I have no interest in getting into another one of your b.s. arguements that go no where.
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Well gang, I pulled the trigger today. I purchased an SME 20/2 from a fellow audiogon member this evening.

I have done more reading on turntables the last couple of days than I have in years. Most of it spurred by your suggestions. I know many of you had recommended the Teres decks. I did send Chris Brady an email to which he replied. These are probably excellent decks just as many of you have said. However, I can't get one locally, and I am not inclined to wait a long period for one to be produced for me.

Much of the information you provided I used to wade through the decks available on Audiogon. This afternoon an SME 20/2 showed up, which fit my requirements. I can also pick up the deck locally. As I have hinted, I'm not much of an equipment junkie, but buying used does allow me the option of selling later without taking a bath if for some reason the sound isn't what I was expecting. However, given my experience with my SME IV tonearm. I doubt I will be disappointed.

In then end, there was no way I could follow everyone's suggestions, but I valued all your input and appreciate your insights.

Thanks again for the help!

Ken