Sort of what Raul is saying, the platform on which the TT sits is a major factor in getting everything from your TT. I can't imagine the Bardo not being engaging. I have heard it many times at shows and have always admired the table. Cartridge set up, the cartridge choice, and a really good platform are where I would look. Btw, is your cartridge loaded correctly and do you have enough gain to support it with the Zanden?regardless of how much cash you spend on your analog front end, you will always need to fulfill all the other factors for successful performance.
Brinkmann/Spiral Groove/TW Acustic Black Night...?
Hi,
I'm seriously considering one of these turntables at the moment, and I would truly appreciate any opinions regarding them related to sonics, reliability, flexibility, ease of use & maintenance etc.
The candidates are:
- Brinkmann Balance anniversary (turntable, 10.5 tonearm, Ti-cartridge, tube power supply, HRS-platform)
- Spiral Groove SG1 + Centroid tonearm
- TW Acustic Black Night + Raven 10.5 tonearm
The price for these setups (used or new) are quite similar when adding a cartridge within the 4-5000$ price range to the Spiral Groove and TW Acoustic tables. But, I can get the Black Knight + Raven 10.5 tonearm new at about the same price as the others used.
I'm using the Brinkmann Bardo today, which I believe is a very neutral and reliable table. But, to some degree it doesn't manage to engage me enough emotionally being rather correct and slightly sharp around the edges. What I'm looking for in an upgrade is first and foremost a more generous and musical presentation (warmth, scale, texture, body, flow) - more music and less hifi if you wish.
My taste in music is varied, but I tend to optimize my system based on what I listen to the most (sing- and songwriters), which means that the handling of voices, acoustical instruments and piano are critical.
So far, my gut feeling tells me that the TW Acoustics Black Night might be the answer partnered with the right cartridge.
Of the three, only the Brinkmann Balance is available locally for audition.
My phono is the Zanden 1200 MKIII. The rest of the system consists of an Aesthetix Callisto Eclipse (preamp), Karan KA M2000 (monos) and Sonus Faber Futura (speakers). Cabling is Nordost Valhalla (power) + Kubala Sosna Elation (interconnects).
Any inputs are most welcome!
I'm seriously considering one of these turntables at the moment, and I would truly appreciate any opinions regarding them related to sonics, reliability, flexibility, ease of use & maintenance etc.
The candidates are:
- Brinkmann Balance anniversary (turntable, 10.5 tonearm, Ti-cartridge, tube power supply, HRS-platform)
- Spiral Groove SG1 + Centroid tonearm
- TW Acustic Black Night + Raven 10.5 tonearm
The price for these setups (used or new) are quite similar when adding a cartridge within the 4-5000$ price range to the Spiral Groove and TW Acoustic tables. But, I can get the Black Knight + Raven 10.5 tonearm new at about the same price as the others used.
I'm using the Brinkmann Bardo today, which I believe is a very neutral and reliable table. But, to some degree it doesn't manage to engage me enough emotionally being rather correct and slightly sharp around the edges. What I'm looking for in an upgrade is first and foremost a more generous and musical presentation (warmth, scale, texture, body, flow) - more music and less hifi if you wish.
My taste in music is varied, but I tend to optimize my system based on what I listen to the most (sing- and songwriters), which means that the handling of voices, acoustical instruments and piano are critical.
So far, my gut feeling tells me that the TW Acoustics Black Night might be the answer partnered with the right cartridge.
Of the three, only the Brinkmann Balance is available locally for audition.
My phono is the Zanden 1200 MKIII. The rest of the system consists of an Aesthetix Callisto Eclipse (preamp), Karan KA M2000 (monos) and Sonus Faber Futura (speakers). Cabling is Nordost Valhalla (power) + Kubala Sosna Elation (interconnects).
Any inputs are most welcome!