Analog Upgrade itch

I would choose the Stabi R/4 point 9 as well.  Place the table on the appropriate sized and weighted HRS platform and you will be impressed.  

@eddiechanghk.  The Isoacoustics platform is a great start. Get a new table/arm and see how you like it.

@mijostyn What do you think are the primary advantges of the Stabi M over the R?  Mass?

Oh, I forgot that serious music lovers need dust covers and only one tonearm.  My bad! 😁  

Honestly, @rsf507, that is what I am trying to figure out as I use a vibraplane/symposium platform under my current table. I imagine the motor and controller are more isolated and better controlled in the Stabi M and the overall mass of the table might favor the M. I'm not worried about the cover causing vibrations as I think that was addressed in the design of the M. 

Unfortunately, the M is much more expensive than the R.  

@sksos Thanks for your insight.  As a Vibraplane user and someone interested in mounting two tonearms (FR-64S for Koetsu and Kuzma 4 point 9 for everything else), it sounds like not much would be gained by going for a Stabi M over a Stabi R.

I recently decided between a 4 point and a 4 point 9.  I am very happy with my choice.  The VTA tower on the 4 point is well made but seldom used.  In general, VTA is set it an forget it based on the specific cartridge you are using. You can still set VTA on the 9 it just isnt as nicely designed.  The 11' arm on the 4 point has a higher mass and this may be advantageous.  Others argue that the 9" is a better design with negligible differences in groove distortion. I can say definitively, that the 4 P 9 is the best performing arm I've ever used. Thom Mackris at Galibier design can help you with your choice and give you a fair price.

As a user of the Vibraplane, I'll just add that it is very easy to adjust even when its loads are not centered. My belt driven turntable is very heavy compared to the motor pod which means most of the weight is to one side of the Vibraplane. I purchased an air compressor that I keep in a storage area below the stereo room and run an airline up to the Vibraplane. Easy! 

I will add that I have heard subtle improvements with the addition of additional vibration absorbing material on top of the Vibraplane. Specifically, I am now using a Symposium platform.  My system pictures should illustrate all this.  I bet that even the entry level Stabi S would sound amazing (and much improved) on top of a Vibraplane.  

OK @eddiechanghk!  This is going to get juicy! 

Expect lots of different opinions on the superiority of the MM+SUT versus the dedicated MM/MC phono pre.  My experience with both is that it depends on the system.  When selecting a high quality SUT you must know the output and the internal resistance of your cart so they are well matched. On the other hand a properly designed phono pre can provide all the gain required for the best LOMC/MI cartridges without adding noise and avoids the need for additional cabling. 

A friend of mine really values the use of the MM section on his vintage Marantz 7C preamp.  He uses a SUT for his Lyra Atlas.  Sounds great.  The same SUT in my system, using the MM input on my PASS Labs XP-27 with an Lyra Etna wasnt as good as going straight into the MC settings. 

Hope this helps. 

@eddiechanghk sounds like you've made some excellent choices and had the benefit of listening to a lot of different gear. Hope you are loving your Stabi R.  I will be receiving mine at the beginning of February. Excited to have two tonearms mounted on the same table.  Still using my Vibraplane as well. 

Lots of vintage arms are supposed to match nicely with SPU.  Schick, Fidelity Research to name a couple.