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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
senza
80 posts
 

You should consider only tables that accept at least 2 tonearm easily.  When I bought my TW Acustic Raven with a 4 arms possibility, I never thought I would need a second tonearm. But as I realized, a few years later that a good part of my library was old mono recordings, I bought a second arm and a mono cart. It is the best idea I ever had. 

drbond OP
485 posts
 

@senza 

Thanks for that recommendation for two tonearms. . . I generally have tried to stay away from mono recordings, for the most part, but there are many historically important recordings from the pre-stereo (pre-1958) era that I might change my mind on in the future. 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,748 posts
 

Few people on the planet will have heard your three tables w same arm, cartridge and phono preamp, so it would be wrong of me to try to spotlight just the table’s contribution - I have heard the Technics and the Brinkmann w Triplaner arm but different cartridges… the SME w yet another combo of cartridge and phono pre. As others mentioned, Basis builds a great table as do SOTA. I have both a SOTA and Brinkmann. A good trusted dealer is a search worth considering. Jim

larsman's avatar
larsman
3,182 posts
 

I've got a Technics 1200G and it is an excellent turntable in my system...

craig
84 posts
 

I have the AMG Viella 12JT.  I use a soundsmith strain gauge cart.  The combination is extremely articulate, with tight, well defined bass and a treble that is not "bright".  Midrange is solid and the soundstage is very wide and deep when encoded such on the LP.  Definitely can distinguish the LP label/recording method and quality of the pressing.  The turbo version of the arm makes alignment extremely easy (my local dealer felt it was one of the easiest and most accurate he has encountered).  I use Nordost Valhalla cabling, Rogue RP9 preamp (but NOT the integral phono stage, since the strain gauge has its own "preamp") and Rogue Apollo Dark Mono amps.  The speakers are Sonus Faber Amati tradition.  I mention this because obviously, the quality of the sound derived from the AMG will depend on the "downstream" components-- but it will certainly feed them an outstanding signal.  I am not sure my system would/could benefit from a higher resolution turntable/cart and I suspect if I t tried, I would be in the 6 digit price range to surpass the AMG (which is NOT happening!).

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