SME 20/3 or Oracle Delphi VI or Garrard 301

Peterayer, i went from a Model 10 to a Model 20/2 after 9 years with the 10. The upgrade was significant. Far more detail, less bass but it became tighter and far better defined, most of all though was the depth and feel to the music that comes through in a way that is only clear when you hear the one after the other. The 10 is very good, the 20 is excellent and worth the extra cost. As for the 20/3, well, i reckon you would just have to try and get a listen to one.

The 20/3 is an updated version of the 20/2, which is no longer available new.

The 20/3 is 23 lbs heavier overall (63 vs. 40). The platter is 4 lbs heavier (14 vs 10). The rest of the weight increase is accounted for in the thicker chassis and subchassis.

The 30/2, in comparison, is 92 lbs with a 15 pound platter. This increased mass and solidity is evident in a comparison.

I have no comments or experience with the Oracle or Garrard.
Your chances of hearing the 20/3 before purchase may be slim to none, depending on where you live, and slim may have left town.

Thanks to the last posters for getting this thread back on track...and returning civility.
The new 20/3 is a huge step forward in terms of specs. Getting closer to the 30/2 in every way..except price.
As the HiFi News reviewer said...this is the sweet spot financially in the range right now.
It seems to offer a huge bang for the bucks.
@ Dover...yes this is/was/who knows! the plan. Get the AC-1 use what I have then go from there.
Or....spend less on the table...20/3 or Oracle VI and get a really good arm and cart.
Later I can trade up the table but meanwhile have a very nice front end from the get go.
The Raven is still twice the price of the other tables and I have to fight hard to not over extend myself.
Damn it's so easy getting carried away with this stuff ;-)
I think the way forward has to be balanced and take into consideration the whole system which as I stated earlier is not exactly perfect in a couple of other areas.

Mauidj:

I noted in your earlier response that you were a pianist. The Oracle MKVI is excellent with piano music(contrary to Dover's comment). In terms of sheer musicality the Oracle MKVI (especially with the Granite base the new bearing and Micro Vibration Stabilizer System) performs at a very high level with speed in the bass/midbass registers, quietude and resolution across the frequency spectrum that exceeds its price range. The SME 20/3 table is excellent also. Ultimately, if you don’t listen to a lot of Organ music (the more massive tables may have a smidgen of additional extension/solidarity in the lowest octave) the Oracle with Phantom II tonearm could prove very satisfying. At the end of the day it’s about diminishing returns: why would you trade in an Oracle VI or SME 20/3 for the Raven at a future date if you are happy with their performance? As mentioned by previous contributors to this thread, “opinions are dime a dozen”. Go with your own preference.

Gmorris.
Sage advise indeed.
And I think your summation of the 2 tables is spot on from all the reviews and comments I have read.
I also agree that the trade up is probably unlikely. This is a more prudent path than buying the Raven now and waiting to be able to afford the better arm/cart combo....forever chasing my tail.
I also think I will be over the moon with a Delphi/Graham/good cartridge combo. I believe it will make great MUSIC.
Funny you should mention the granite base.
I was chatting with Jacques of Oracle who suggested I invest my money in a really good equipment rack/table platform before getting the granite base.
I've been offered a really great deal on a regular base Delphi so getting the granite will add about $3000 to the price tag. Plenty of money for a really effective stand I would think. My current Salamander stand is hardly stable and this investment should make a big difference system wide.
Ultimately I will of course go with my own preference...but it has been enlightening to read the comments and experiences of others before plonking down this not inconsiderable chunk of change.