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Turntable in $2500-3500 range for SME IV.Vi arm ?

After four years of being unable to enjoy my component system because of moving and storage, it finally looks like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have an older VPI table with stand alone motor--the IV upgrade. I like my SME IV.Vi tonearm very much, but am considering going to a new table, however, I don't want to spend more than about $3500. I've seen references to VPI's Black Knight and the Teres 255, and notice that Galibier is soon to be coming out with a $2500 design. Any experience with these or other comparable tables making a good match with the SME IV.Vi arm ? My other components include a new Cortese preamp, modified Air Tight ATM-3 monoblocks and two pairs of speakers: the Dunlavy SC-IV and a wonderful ribbon/Dynaudio driver hybrid system created by a brilliant friend. Finally, as of 4-5 years ago I was temporarily using a Grado Sonata cartridge (low output version). I anticipate upgrading to a moving coil, but have not yet decided on which one. Thanks kindly for your suggestions.
opus88
9 responses Add your response
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Another vote for the SOTA, my friend has the NOVA with the SME V and it sounds amazing, for what it is worth he had commented at our last "Ears and Beers" party that he never heard any VPI that was as good as a SOTA.
For what it is worth I also have a SOTA but mine is not upgraded like his is so mine isnt really in the same league but it still is a very pleasing table, so you may try a cheaper model and perhaps upgrade it if desired, you may be suprised how good it is.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
12,786 posts
 
Dear Opus88: I think that the Esoxhntr, Clio9 and Jfrech are very good alternatives and in all three your SME is very well " welcomed ".
If I have to take a choose between them maybe I will go for the Sota and that is because of the vaccum platter that for me makes an improvement on the quality sound reproduction on any TT.

Now, with that kind of analog rig and taking in count your SME tonearm you have to change your Grado cartridge and my advise is for the: Dynavector XV-1, mates very good with your tonearm.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
pauly
1,012 posts
 
You could try a "The Turntable" from Progressive, which should be in your budget. I have never tried a new SME on mine, but I believe the owner/builder (Mike P) used an SME 309 on his personal table.

I have not heard the 255 Teres but I am have heard an Aries and The Turntable is (in my opinion) a better sounding table.

Regards
Paul
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Ask Jennifer of Jena Labs. She'll tell you she uses a modded Technics 1200.
gregadd
574 posts
 
vpi Aries3 is out. while others preach trickle down technology vpi puts thier heart in it.
esoxhntr
196 posts
 
While I agree totally with Jfrech, an alternative would be one of the Avid turntables - they sound very good with SME arms.
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Why not a SME 10 Table? It's killer with that arm. Occasionally you'll see a SME 20/2 armless for about 5k. If you could stretch then your pretty much set for life !
sit
315 posts
 
Owe it to yourself to look into the SOTA Nova vacuum table. Make certain that you balance the cart with the table and the arm and whatever phono stage you're using. I truly do not believe SOTA can be topped for performance at this price point for a new table. Splurge just a little more to get the Sota Cosmos armboard and you'll find you probably have a killer table for life.
clio09
3,343 posts
 
I have read where the SOTA tables work quite nicely with SME arms. The Nova Series V is in your budget. I own one and am considering the SME IV or V arm to replace my Kuzma Stogi.
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