Best Turntable: Rockport or Goldmund?


I know there aren't that many around, but does anyone have any experience with the huge Rockport or Goldmund (Reference?) turntables with their integral stands? How about the VPI TNT? I have had good experiences with massive, unsprung turntables and think all of these models are quite cool, but wondering how they might differ in terms of sound and build quality. Hoping for a bargain one day on Audiogon if I can figure out which one is the winner.
cwlondon

Showing 4 responses by detlof

It is difficult to get spares for the Goldmund and if repairs become necessary, it will take a very long time. Should you ever want to buy a G., inspect the bearing very carefully and give yourself a thirty day trial period, to see if the elctronics of arm and platter control really work reliably. I do not know the situation in the US, I am talking Europe here. Unfortunatedly I have no Rockport experience. (Funny that all the wags who answered you, did not associate Rockport with roquefort, which would have given endless occasion for further jokes, but then perhaps they don't like cheese)
Your post reminds me of those good old pissing contests of my schoolboy days long since gone and made me smile. If I had just bought a Rockport, I would probably maintain the same. Only "completely destroy " is just as "complete" BS of course, because at this level of refinement of LP playback, complete "destruction" is hardly possible, I would rather suggest the term of say " fairly significant differences within certain parameters ". The language your friend uses, makes it difficult to take him seriously.
Rcrump, yes I know exactly what you mean. A well set up Goldmund was not bad at that, but the biggest surprise I had exactly in this field, when I had the shaft, bearing and pivot reengineered and heated, when playing and the arm made more stable.The silence was stunning and yet vibrant, so much different to the black void of CD.
Unfortunately I've never had the chance to listen to a Rockport, but all the people I've talked to who in fact had, were full of praise and admiration.
Rcrump, I loved your metaphor and how true..... Zurich is a long way off from Houston, but who knows......
Regards,