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Stabi R, Bardo & Viella

Hello Fellow Analog Travelers,

I am after some advice on choosing a turntable after taking a hiatus from the hobby.

I used to have TW Actustic Raven (with AC motor) and Rola (Australia idler broadcast turntable) severl arms including Graham Phantom, ubiquitous Jelco 750 LB (RIP) and cartridges including Denon Dl-S1 (again RIP) Allnic Puritas…and few moderately pried cartridges fed through either Audia Flight phono or locally made tube phono stage.

I listen to all sorts of music that includes blues, vintage rock , world music, 80s synth….Not much jazz or classical (say 20% of my music collection)

3D holographic soundstage with airiness is more important that resolution or dynamics.

Compact size, uncomplicated set up, immune to dust and humidity is a bonus.

So the question is what would you recommend between Bardo, Stabi R and Viella, noting Bardo and Stabi R are similar priced buy Viella is bit more

Whatever the choice would be fed through a SET system with single driver speakers.

Thank you

pulinap
tablejockey
4,403 posts
 

Looks like a Porsche vs Ferrrar vs Mclaren choice. No bad decision.

Brinkman Bardo appealing for DD compact package- if that’s your thing.

Kuzma seems to more substantial in build with more traditional look, which is what I prefer. Kuzma arm choices also more appealling(if that’s what will be implemented)

AMG reviews have more nitpiks, but none say it can’t hang with "the in crowd." Dont care for the look.

I’d gladly be in your conumdrum😂

lewm
14,684 posts
 

Your choice of cartridge, amplifier, and speakers will have much more to do with getting the sound you desire than will your choice among these TTs. 

sksos1
431 posts
 

I've owned the Bardo & Stabi R (at the same time) and much preferred the Stabi R. More weight more air and I feel a better build quality. Also the Kuzma can take most tonearms although I'd recommend a Kuzma like the 4Point9

(Dealer disclaimer)

kennyc
2,951 posts
 

Looks like a Porsche vs Ferrrar vs Mclaren choice. No bad decision.

+1 all 3 choices are great, but some consider the Viella a higher value vs its price

pulinap OP
5 posts
 

@tablejockey and @lewm  thank you.

@sksos1  - thank you. Stabi R has always been in my radar. To play devils advocate, my limited experience suggests that bardo is less maintenance given less moving parts? (ie belt)  given high humidity?

@kennyc thank you. did you mean that Viella is overpriced? 

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