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Brinkmann/Spiral Groove/TW Acustic Black Night...?

Hi,

I'm seriously considering one of these turntables at the moment, and I would truly appreciate any opinions regarding them related to sonics, reliability, flexibility, ease of use & maintenance etc.

The candidates are:

- Brinkmann Balance anniversary (turntable, 10.5 tonearm, Ti-cartridge, tube power supply, HRS-platform)

- Spiral Groove SG1 + Centroid tonearm

- TW Acustic Black Night + Raven 10.5 tonearm

The price for these setups (used or new) are quite similar when adding a cartridge within the 4-5000$ price range to the Spiral Groove and TW Acoustic tables. But, I can get the Black Knight + Raven 10.5 tonearm new at about the same price as the others used.

I'm using the Brinkmann Bardo today, which I believe is a very neutral and reliable table. But, to some degree it doesn't manage to engage me enough emotionally being rather correct and slightly sharp around the edges. What I'm looking for in an upgrade is first and foremost a more generous and musical presentation (warmth, scale, texture, body, flow) - more music and less hifi if you wish.

My taste in music is varied, but I tend to optimize my system based on what I listen to the most (sing- and songwriters), which means that the handling of voices, acoustical instruments and piano are critical.

So far, my gut feeling tells me that the TW Acoustics Black Night might be the answer partnered with the right cartridge.

Of the three, only the Brinkmann Balance is available locally for audition.

My phono is the Zanden 1200 MKIII. The rest of the system consists of an Aesthetix Callisto Eclipse (preamp), Karan KA M2000 (monos) and Sonus Faber Futura (speakers). Cabling is Nordost Valhalla (power) + Kubala Sosna Elation (interconnects).

Any inputs are most welcome!
128x128sidekick_i

Showing 3 responses by peterayer

peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I've heard both the Balance and Bardo at a NYC show last year and the guy from the dealer who spun the LPs kept returning to the Balance. It did sound more natural to me. The Brinkmanns used to be demoed on HRS platforms, but now I think the dealers prefer showing them on Vibraplane platforms. I think the isolation is better.

I've also heard the Black Night at the same show in another room. The systems sounded very different, though I could not determine what the turntables were contributing to the sound.

In general, the TW rooms have sounded warmer, fuller and less tonally balanced than the Brinkmann rooms, but that could be a result of all sorts of things.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Syntax, could you please be more specific about why you think Spiral Groove is the only serious design? Thanks.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Kwb, The Balance is belt drive, correct? I've heard both of those in the same system and I agree with your observations.

I'm curious. As a dealer, do you recommend any form of isolation under the Brinkmann tables? I heard them under Vibraplanes, and I have a Vibraplane under my SME. I think some serious attempt at isolating these tables can make a very big improvement to their performance. Thanks.
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