Turntable upgrade recommendations: SME vs AMG vs Technics vs other


I've recently upgraded most of my system, but I still have a Rega P8, with Linn Krystal cartridge, which I like, but I've heard that there may be better options.

I have Sound Lab electrostatic speakers, Ypsilon Hyperior amplifiers, an Ypsilon PST-100 Mk2 pre-amplifier, and am thinking about an Ypsilon phono stage to match with my system, and a turntable/cartridge.  I listen to almost entirely classical, acoustic music. 

Based on my very limited knowledge, and simple research, I've been looking at three brands, each of which is a different type of turntable: SME (suspension), AMG (mass), and Technics (direct drive).  
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of turntables, and of those in particular?

Thanks.   

drbond

Showing 1 response by ivanj

NB: I am a Sound Lab dealer. I have U-545s and M-745s.  I've heard just about everything phono-wise including the early Goldmunds. I guess I am a kindred spirit who is not trying to sell you anything although I am sure I will get brick-bats on that one. Frankly, I just don't need the money for the aggravation - turntables are a special business. Don't do home theatre/automation either for the same reason. That being said....

Spending $ on equipment is fun but:

1.For the biggest sonic improvement, if you can, I would move your phono system into another room from your control preamp. Since Ypsilon is balanced equipment, they claim/one of their design nexus is to be able to run long runs of true balanced cables. (There are places that sell inexpensive end of record arm-lifters so you don't have to worry about sprinting to pick up the arm.) Benchmark Media Systems makes custom balanced cables that have a lower noise and interference floor than expensive 'magic' cables.

2. If you can I would hang the TT from well-anchored studs in the ceiling or a wall stand. You might want to try this with your Rega so you have a performance baseline. Since I take it you are an MD you realize what I am implying. 

3. I find with the high-priced MC cartridges, eg Koetsu, is that they have a roll-off beginning at 10 kHZ. Very euphonic but not very accurate. Cartridges used to come with frequency response and channel balance print-outs but few do now. 

4. I think the strain-gauge Peter sells is transparent and is flat in the bass unlike the strain gauges of the past that had a 'built in loudness control'. I'd also consider that latest AT ART 1000-series cartridges especially if you can get someone to set it up properly, electronically. I surmise it might work well in one of the damped arms. I also like certain EMT and Dynavector MCs. Arms that set their tracking force and anti-skate with a spring are superior IMHO.

5. Since a MC cartridge is a true balanced system, an XLR tonearm cable and phono preamp with balanced inputs are worth considering.

BTW which SLs do you have? Anyway good luck.