$6-7k to Spend on Turntable

If you are to retain the SME IV you should go for a deck that synergises well with it. As such you should first consider both the SME model 20/2 and the Model 10. You should also consider the Avid decks by Conrad Mas - fantastic decks that are often sporting the arm you own.

I myself have an Amazon Model One and have good authority that the SME goes well with it.

Having said all that get the Oracle fully serviced - in a recent hi fi news review the reviewer indicated that he'd get the new one had he not already got his current reference!

About the Platine - that goes well with Schroeder, Breur, and Morch Arms, as well as the old sme 3009 - so I am told by one dealer and importer of the item.

For your kind of money, and given the e-mail responses you have had, you may as well go and get some demos, it's much better than reading what people hear - trust me - I'm sure all the magazines will disagree though.

Dear Ken: I assume that your 20 comes with the SME V. This tonearm is a dinamically balance design, and works very well in that way but you have to try it in static balance way: it comes better yet.

Regards and enjoy the music.

Raul.

Hello Iflyfisher, I'd consider the SME 10,made for your arm,small footprint,simple and strong build quality,much less $ than the 20,you could sell the "10" arm or keep it, and buy 2 or 3 cartridges with the change and i'm sure you'd have a great set up. Choose your favorite combo ,sell the others and just play music!

Sorry, i didn't read the whole thread, nevermind.

My personal choice is the long-standing VPI line. Go for a TNT and get a ZYX Airy Universe to mount on it.

Marty Nickison