2020 update : JC Verdier La Platine

delos with silvercore is a home run.  early days but sounds great.

i have a Audio Note M6 as my RIAA.  it plugs into my integrated amp.

things almost perfect with my turntable setup.  only thought left now is toward an isolating base.  would radically increase expense of project but :

1. i have a footfall issue.  even walking away after dropping needle i might make a skip happen.  not good.

2. everyone says the la platine really does well on a platform like vibraplane etc.  

i guess i would have the la platine on platform and motor not on the platform.  

the main features i find of the la platine that might distinguish it are:

- continuity - no feeling of effort or mechanical intrusion.  with the 401 for example or tt3, one can hear the intense "push push" of the setup. this is nice in some ways. but it seems more pure when it is not there

- silence - small sounds and large sounds occur on a very soundless back ground.  it is as some say "just the music"

i do not have any speed issues nor any w/f issues.  i am on thread and it is excellent.  i might give it one more crack with the cms footers.

@mr_gray Which Silvercore SUT are you using?  1:10 ratio with the Delos? have been interested in this German brand for a while. 

I stumbled  into a vinyl setup that is the opposite of yours regarding cartridge and phono stage choices, using entry level phono stages matched with higher performance cartridges. I know you have used higher level cartridges, but choose to dip into more entry level ones to experiment. The tube phono stage, SunValley EQ 1616D was introduced by HR, and with Telefunken ecc83s’ and  Millard ecc83, does not sound like an entry level preamp. 
 

i have a silver 1:10.  i think it is the pro version.  i wanted the largest silver cans i could get my hands on.  it wasn't cheap unfortunately.  

what i like is to listen to other gear so i can get a sense of how good the good gear is.  i feel it helps with system insights and comprehension.  plus fun.

the silvercore keeps getting better.  very dynamic, very quiet, on solid state it would sound dry i think or crisp - but that's probably just as it burns in.  it is a great match with the delos.

i can well imagine good carts and less decorated gear.  i can also well imagine a relatively cheap tube based RIAA doing a very good job as i did have an Abbas EL84 riaa before the m6.  having said that, the m6 is kind of amazing when compared to the Abbas, so you do get something for your money.

i am sure if i had it all over again there are better ways to skin the cat.

i have an iogold/s9 combo and i eventually the iogold will be repaired and i will get to listen to that in context of say silvercore/delos.  it will be interesting as the iogold/s9 setup is around 7 times more expensive.  i did previously listen to the s9/iogold combo but not when my la platine was so sorted and also prior to understanding how critical setup of cart was and so without benefit of analog magik and smartractor.

@mr_gray 

You have an envious arsenal of high end gear. And you are right about good set up allowing the best gears to perform at their best.
 

The level of care in setting up the TT / tonearm / cartridge has been at the center of attention for me in the past several years. Given I use a linear tracker, the set up  parameters are much less than with a pivot arm. And I am still adjusting with microscope and ear. The one parameter that has the most effect on sound is azimuth. And as I do not use a Fozgometer or Audio magik, I adjust by listening to the widest and deepest soundstage with a most subtle bass response, not very ‘ scientific’, but I do take time and care in doing the minute adjustments. 

@ledoux1238 i have gone overboard it is true.  a big positive is i have learnt a bit and become comfortable working with a cart, tonearm and table.  i am yet to crack azimuth if i am honest.  i struggle getting vision on it even with a microscope (much easier for use with vta from side).  when i use analog magik i seem to be only really checking zenith, which it is fantastic for.  i don't find azimuth adjustment approachable on the kuzma safir.  it would be much easier to attempt on the AS arche headshell i have but currently obsessed with the Safir.

if you have any tips for me i am all ears.