As an owner of the Kuzma XL DC, I concur with uwiikz’s listening experience as described in the thread opener.
Certainly not the Technics Sp10R & Mk.3 direct drives, as they are different beasts entirely. Not better or worse per se, simply different in terms of playback, presentation and overall character.
In my system, I’ve elected to employ various turntable drive types, all which provide immeasurable levels of musical satisfaction each through the lens of their own unique persona. None are identical and yet all are immensely capable, reference caliber analog playback devices. If I were to recommend one alternative turntable which has some similar characteristically musical virtues, it would be the Garrard 301 Statement which I believe with optional ac power supply would cost about $8000 less than the Kuzma and accepts nine to twelve length inch tonearms. Being a properly implemented idler drive, it has a certain propulsive and dynamic nature coupled to a powerful, extended bass signature with loads of air, space and deep layering abilities. Inner detail is superb as well. Again, to clarify, it is still different from both of my belt drives and direct drive turntables, some attributes of each an individual may find more or less desirable than others, subjectively speaking but if you are seeking something with quote "beat", "speed" and "clarity", then this would be the closest thing in my system resembling this kind of demeanor, comparatively speaking.
Personally, I think the Kuzma XL DC is one of the great bargains of high end modern belt drives and far, far from being overpriced. Their other record players, aside from the Stabi M, although to a much lesser degree, do not sound like the XL DC as they are lacking the impact, scale, focus, layering and life of this model. After auditioning the Stabi R last year, it was immediately apparent to my ears that it was a significant step down the in the manufacturers hierarchy. Somewhat odd my impressions felt, as we did not seem to have the same sense of urgency present as its closest sibling the Stabi M although they share the same motor. Perhaps the difference lies within the power supply. The XL DC remains the superior Kuzma, at least to my ears. Their latest offering the XL DC Air, I personally have not yet seen or heard yet, so I cannot comment.
A polite reality check, this is high end audio, and "best ever" does not exist. Not a single audiophile has seen, tried, compared or heard it all. Try to enjoy yourself during the journey and along the way find what is best for your personal listening tastes, budget and playback goals. Conjecture is something we all must contend with at some point in this game but fortunately you have some helpful, constructive insights here from various members to study and digest prior to making your final decision.
What lower priced alternative than Kuzma XL DC that would give me the almost exact same sonic characteristics?
Certainly not the Technics Sp10R & Mk.3 direct drives, as they are different beasts entirely. Not better or worse per se, simply different in terms of playback, presentation and overall character.
In my system, I’ve elected to employ various turntable drive types, all which provide immeasurable levels of musical satisfaction each through the lens of their own unique persona. None are identical and yet all are immensely capable, reference caliber analog playback devices. If I were to recommend one alternative turntable which has some similar characteristically musical virtues, it would be the Garrard 301 Statement which I believe with optional ac power supply would cost about $8000 less than the Kuzma and accepts nine to twelve length inch tonearms. Being a properly implemented idler drive, it has a certain propulsive and dynamic nature coupled to a powerful, extended bass signature with loads of air, space and deep layering abilities. Inner detail is superb as well. Again, to clarify, it is still different from both of my belt drives and direct drive turntables, some attributes of each an individual may find more or less desirable than others, subjectively speaking but if you are seeking something with quote "beat", "speed" and "clarity", then this would be the closest thing in my system resembling this kind of demeanor, comparatively speaking.
Personally, I think the Kuzma XL DC is one of the great bargains of high end modern belt drives and far, far from being overpriced. Their other record players, aside from the Stabi M, although to a much lesser degree, do not sound like the XL DC as they are lacking the impact, scale, focus, layering and life of this model. After auditioning the Stabi R last year, it was immediately apparent to my ears that it was a significant step down the in the manufacturers hierarchy. Somewhat odd my impressions felt, as we did not seem to have the same sense of urgency present as its closest sibling the Stabi M although they share the same motor. Perhaps the difference lies within the power supply. The XL DC remains the superior Kuzma, at least to my ears. Their latest offering the XL DC Air, I personally have not yet seen or heard yet, so I cannot comment.
please somebody tell me XL DC is the best ever and there is no other that can compare so I can just jump the cliff and took the plunge?
A polite reality check, this is high end audio, and "best ever" does not exist. Not a single audiophile has seen, tried, compared or heard it all. Try to enjoy yourself during the journey and along the way find what is best for your personal listening tastes, budget and playback goals. Conjecture is something we all must contend with at some point in this game but fortunately you have some helpful, constructive insights here from various members to study and digest prior to making your final decision.