Personally I would take the AMG, I think it is a better design, but I think there are even better sounding tables for less money and for a bit more than either of these tables.
The SME is not a great sounding table, its days of being king of the hill are over.
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Audiooracle, how would you describe the sound of the SME 20/12? Could you elaborate on your opinion about SME? Thanks. |
Peterayer,
Please know that Audiooracle is a dealer who does not carry SME. Need I say more??? |
I kind of figured. I thought I would ask anyway. |
I've heard the SME 20/12, 30/12 and used to own a 20/2. I also recently heard a AMG V12. So none of these were in the same systems so I can't draw any conclusions for you...
I will say each of them make beautiful music. At the top end, I am not sure you can really beat a 30/12...In the price range of the 20/12 and AMG V12, the Grand Prix Audio Monaco with a Triplanar arm (or other arm of your choice) is something to consider possibly...
One thing about SME is they've been around for years and a very stable company...
I am proponent of spending as much on the table/arm as you can...
What's the rest of your system? |
I currently have a Brinkmann Bardo (all options)/ 10.5 arm/ Per Winfield used with a Bryston BP26/BP1.5/14BSST2 and Focal Utopia Scala's. I'm happy with it just getting bored. |
Honestly, I'd be reluctant to sell your TT...you seem to have a pretty great set up...
What cables and power conditioning? Any isolation racks/shelfs/footers?
I've heard the higher Grand Utopia EM...so I know your speakers are very good...
Depending on your cables/conditioning/isolation I might suggest electronics next...maybe try a tube phono stage or preamp... |
Nothing too too high-end cable wise, I have a solid tech stand with the top HRS platform for the table. My 14B goes straight to the wall the rest Through a big Bryston /Torus BIT conditioner. |
I'm with Jfrech. Try auditioning a tube phono stage or preamp at home. Either would give you a new window into your system; and you could always roll tubes to alleviate future boredom. I use a VAC pre-amp with my Bryston amps and like the synergy. I also have a Brinkmann DD, an Oasis. |
So I guess no one has heard both........Anyways thanks for the replies.
Or how about this, anyone compare the top Bardo all options with the 10.5 against an AMG or SME 20/12?
Not sure about the AMG but the SME would allow me to upgrade to an MC Anna, may be a bit much for my 10.5. |
Is there more than one version of the Bardo, or did you mean to ask about the
top Brinkmann turntable? I have heard the Bardo in two systems as well as the
Brinkmann Balance. I preferred the Balance. |
Is there more than one version? well sort of yes, there are options like the glass/ stainless mat with clamp and a better power supply.
I should hope the Balance sounds better! |
Well, some people prefer direct drive to belt drive. It depends on the implementation. So, I'm not certain everyone will prefer the sound of the Balance to the Bardo. I have read that the tubed power supply is an improvement, though. |
How did the AMG/SME thread turn Brinkmann...;-D |
There is a logical relationship since AMG does much of the custom machining of parts used in Brinkmann tables. |
The OP asked about the Brinkmann Bardo down the thread on 9/9/13. |
Ended up buying the SME 20/12 but with V12 arm. Couldn't hold off on my dream cartridge, the Ortofon MC Anna. Just picked one up 2 days ago.
What a wonderful sounding record player, love it. |
People have sold sme 30 to buy the Bardo before so this is a strange move. Better to put the Anna on a bardo. The 10.5 is significantly better than the V in every respect bar one (lack of treble zing).
Have you considered PMC speakers to go with your bryston kit? You will find its a big advance on the focal and match the bryston well. Go for an IB2 at least |
Did you try the anna on the bardo? or the winfield on the SME? |
