Celebration vs Blackbird

Can you point me to the Celebration Review?

I am running the Celebration in an older WTT classic table with black platter.

I find it to be outstanding, but of course have not heard any other high end carts recently. It was replacing a Crown jewel SE in my system, and can sayafter break in it sounds wonderful. Analog has never sounded do good in my system.(I used to have a CLavis- but that was long ago). The thing I like about it is it seems to be designed so that you dont need a perfect setup to extract maximum sonics. I just personally dont think the WTT allows one to set up at critically as other tables might, and honestly I dont spend the time
adjusting tracking force and VTA to exact the highest standards. I pretty much set up the way the manuf. suggests, play with VTA a little till balance sounds right and enjoy.

I am thinking about upgrading to a higher end table/arm, but obviosly we're talking 6-10K to better the sound of the WTT, so I have to research and save more money before upgrading. Again, I always felt like I was never really hearing LP's at their best because I wasn't able to set up/tweek the wash it should be done (ociliscopes, etc), but now I don't worry, I just enjoy.

I also like the fact that the suspension is really designed for long life.

Oh yes, I did see that review, but didn't remember it talking about less than stellar tracking.

I never heard the blackbird, so I can't comment.

I do believe that sumiko will give you an allowance with trading in an older sumiko cart. Check it out - also Needle Doc seemed to offer good deals on the Celebration.

Just FYI I just got the PS Audio GCPH gain cell phono stage and it is excellent, and reasonably priced, and can be audiotion for 30 days in home. Just burn it in first. search for inverse RIAA on the vinyl asylum - I have some files online for burning in phono stages.