Does any Audiogon member have a Holbo air-bearing turntable?


I am fascinated by the Holbo air-bearing turntable with its linear tracking air-bearing arm and air bearing platter system.  I have not read an unfavourable review, and many reviewers recommend it as a reference-level turntable at an audio bargain price.

If you have one, what has your experience been like?  What country are you in?  Is yours the Mk1 or the Mk2?  What was the set-up experience like?  What cartridge(s) have you used, and what would you recommend?  How do you keep it clean?  Has it been reliable?

Looking forward to hearing real-life experiences!

richardbrand

@tablejockey 

The finger lift on my spare AT head shell is moulded in.  If need be, I can probably make one.  I need a good excuse to buy a milling machine!

@tablejockey 

But I've wanted my own milling machine for decades!

Really, I could make one in 20 minutes from aluminium bar using my Festool gear.  But it is all in the future ...

I got one of those finger lifts on Amazon before the Holbo arrived--$5. Then I never fitted it b/c the cueing is so solid, even tho I always cue by hand with my pivoted arms. Also concerned the weight of the lift would throw off azimuth.

@maxson 

Yes, I am used to a pivoted SME arm with hydraulically damped lowering device and worrying too much!

I'll do nothing until I have a real problem ... thanks for your input