I agree with Don, The SME was a fine table in it's day - but there is a ton of technology that has been developed over the years i.e optical speed control systems, bearing materials, use of magnetically suspended platters etc. The Clearaudio is the clear winner between these two tables - no question. Especially considering there is an Innovation with 12" universal on A-Gon right now for a silly low price. If I was in the market I'd snatch that up in a heartbeat.
SME vs. Clearaudio Turntable Comparison - Thoughts?
My current system:
Primaluna Dialog Premium HP integrated amp
Parasound JC-3 phono preamp
Harbeth 40.1 speakers
Clearaudio Performance SEP TT w/Lyra Delos cartridge
Clear Day Cables double shotgun speaker cables
Thinking about upgrading the Clearaudio TT to something new and looking for opinions.
Given a choice between a Clearaudio Innovation Wood with Universal tonearm or a SME model 20 with a SME V tonearm, which would you choose and why?
My take is that Clearaudio is a bit more aerospace tech oriented and SME is more old school industrial design built like a Mac truck.
I love the appearance of both models, somewhat favoring the looks of the SME for it's classic styling and also digging the Innovation for it's non-traditional appearance.
Bottom line is sonics, so I'd really like to hear your thoughts on which one sounds better if you have heard both or either. I primarily listen to rock, folk, and jazz.
Thanks,
Peter
Primaluna Dialog Premium HP integrated amp
Parasound JC-3 phono preamp
Harbeth 40.1 speakers
Clearaudio Performance SEP TT w/Lyra Delos cartridge
Clear Day Cables double shotgun speaker cables
Thinking about upgrading the Clearaudio TT to something new and looking for opinions.
Given a choice between a Clearaudio Innovation Wood with Universal tonearm or a SME model 20 with a SME V tonearm, which would you choose and why?
My take is that Clearaudio is a bit more aerospace tech oriented and SME is more old school industrial design built like a Mac truck.
I love the appearance of both models, somewhat favoring the looks of the SME for it's classic styling and also digging the Innovation for it's non-traditional appearance.
Bottom line is sonics, so I'd really like to hear your thoughts on which one sounds better if you have heard both or either. I primarily listen to rock, folk, and jazz.
Thanks,
Peter