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Clearaudio Innovation Wood or shoot for the stars Techdas AF 3

      I currently have a VPI Prime turntable with a Benz Micro LPS-MR cartridge and a Simuaudio 610 lp phono stage. I was about to upgrade to Clearaudio Innovation Wood with probably a Kuzma 4-point arm when my wife says that this better be my last turntable upgrade and she said I could spend more for as long as I never ( never probably means 5 years, I hope ) upgrade my turntable again. This got me looking at the new Techdas AF5 ( just launched at the recent Tokyo Audio Show). However my dealer prefers  of course the more expensive AF 3  with a Graham arm. Although, he can also do  Kuzma except I have to wait for an armboard as most Techdas armboards are already pre-drilled to fit Graham's. I have heard the Clearaudio extensively in a friends place with the Universal arm and Mysonic Lab Signature Gold and its sounds great but I have never heard the AF3's. Though I have heard the AF1 in another friends system which costs  probably 20 times mine and it sounded beyond this world ( at least for me). Hoping that the trickle down technology on the AF3 will get me 80%-90% of the sound of the AF1. 

    Now, the question is which table to get? Assuming home audition is not possible ( but of course I will try ). The cost of the AF3 will leave me broke ( to do anymore upgrades to my system) but hopefully happy and satisfied.  The technology on this thing alone makes me want to buy it. The awesome reviews help too. The Clearaudio also has good reviews. I've heard it, it also sounds wonderful and quite a few people here own them and  it leaves me wiggle room too to upgrade some other stuff ( ARC REf phono 3 perhaps or  an additional cartridge for different flavor ) . Though I noticed that owner's keep them for a few years ( from my back reading of threads ) but still upgrade to much higher priced turntables ( hence my hesitation ) as this is  sort of the "last table for life" kind of situation. 

     This a once in a lifetime deal ( because of the wife's blessing and the amount involved ). I don't think she'll give me another chance like this one .  Hoping your thoughts/inputs can point me to the right direction. Thanx.
      
PS. Please do not suggest other brands, due to availability and dealer relationships these are already my finalists, so let's limit the discussion to the 2 above mentioned turntables.
attymbb

Showing 11 responses by nkonor

nkonor
635 posts
 
inna, lostbears,

I think we tried. I did write a second balanced approach but Deleted It.

attymbb, Earth is calling you. Have Fun.   Best to You.

inna,  4 are test or burn-in CDs.


nkonor
635 posts
 
attymbb,

I have been pondering my Last TT for a year +.

TechDas III and Graham arm were high on my list. Heard it at Axpona 2016. 

Even though you confined this discussion to (2) TT ; I hope you don't mind if I expand.

First; Nice System. Mine is posted with a few updates that will come soon.

I am a vinyl guy; 3000 LPs, 83 CDs.

Almost ready to pull the trigger on a Technics 1200G, modded with a Tri-Planar 12" arm with tonearm cable terminated with XLR connections. Still pondering cartridges.

IMHO, this TT can be a game changer.

Just some thoughts.......

- Technics DD is rock solid speed. Perhaps equal or better than all others.

- Tri-Planar ranks with with any of the top arms.

Cartridge - Stll pondering. Your choice.

- Upgrade phonostage 
Tubes Rule here.

- I will stay with a gimbal arm.

You will save $$$ and have a Top TT rig. Again, IMHO.

Best Wishes on your Journey 


nkonor
635 posts
 
Dollars $$$ saved will get you an Ultrasonic cleaner.
nkonor
635 posts
 
attymbb, 

A measured approach.

Good for You, Wife, Finances and System.
 
One thing at a time. Do let us know how the Ref Phono 3 audition goes. I am big on one manufacturer synergy.

My list of contenders: sources.......

- AF3
- TW Acoustic Black Knight
- Kronos 
- AMG 
- Kuzma M
- Technics 1200 G / wait for 10R

Anyone, with the appropriate Arm.
 
Cartridge, still your choice.

You / plus system appears to be a real "Player" No one dealer can service us with in-home auditions on of all these. Its part of the reason why we have to go in "blind" on TTs. Especially at this level. Shows, travel to a dealer audition, maybe a friend, reviews, recommend by anyone? All these options are perilous. Big $ bets???

I can get a 2week in home with an AMG / My main dealer for 20 years. Who else will give me this? 
I might be able to get the Kuzma M / 4pt. The key word is "might"

For this kind of $$$$$; I am almost willing to 'plane ticket a dealer' to bring and set up a table for a month long audition and if I buy get plane refunded.

TTs are A Lot more effort. IMHO worth it.

At this level your vpi 16.5 is useful for rinsing. How about a DeMag? How about a Record flatner/ Relaxer? And again, you will need a U.S. machine.  

Cartridges ? Yikes !!!!!

Take your time. A few hundred records? Vinyl has been a 47yr endeavor for me. You'll get more satisfaction long term. Plus you can look forward to more new additions, more often.

Do Not let Anyone punch your buttons on this. Use your Ears.
Buyers Remorse and selling at a loss is an even more expensive option. 

Let us know how the audition goes.  

Best Wishes on your Journey 
nkonor
635 posts
 
I need to win a small lottery. HiFi+ has a review of the AF3 paired with a SAT arm. Spendy combo for sure but I would go for it.
nkonor
635 posts
 
attymbb, 

Happy that your still with us. Excellent; yes, stick with the plan. At this level, jumping headfirst into things just gets us into trouble.

Update: there is a post on Analog Planet about the prototype Technics 10R. It will be made to be able to be used with other tonearms. Another game changer for me. My desire is #1 AF3 / SAT combo or #2 Technics 10R / Tri-planar 12" combo. Cartridge of choice - TBD.

Best
Norb
nkonor
635 posts
 
attymbb,

Congrats on your AF3 !!!  Which arm, cartridge and phonostage are you using? I am sure that this rig will give you years of pleasure!

 Due to health issues; I need to stay with my #2 choice. Just the costs for this level of equipment is staggering. 

So; it will be a Technics SL 1200G, modded to take a 12” Triplanar arm and cartridge TBD. I will keep my Manley Steelhead and Pass XOno phonostages.

Glad that you filled us in on your choice; so many of these threads just end and you never know the final outcome. 

Thanks for for sharing and again, Congratulations on your AF3 !!!

Enjoy and my Best to You 
nkonor
635 posts
 
attymbb,

Yes; Of course I would like the AF3 and TriPlanar combo. Funds are tight right now.  Two (2) back surgeries and a diagnosis of MS in the last16 months. 

Believe it it or not; I am recovering from All these setbacks. Doctors and Therapist do agree that I am making an unbelievable comeback and think that I will recover 95% or better of my abilities.

I am receiving an infusion of the Only drug approved by the FDA in 80 years for my condition. I need (2) infusions a year at a cost of $105,625.00 each.  

Wife says; that I should enjoy myself as much as I can. She is backing me 100%.

I can appreciate the Technics/ Triplanar combo. I need to win that lottery that we mentioned.

 attymbb,

Right now, my health is first. 

You have have a Great System right now. Simple and superbly executed. I could see a bit more room treatment but not too much.

You took your time and implemented very well. I have been slowed down a bit but will fight my way back. I will be right behind you.

Keep us updated on any evolutions of your system including room. (It is a major component) A couple more photos of the AF3. You have access to cartridges that I am interested in. Short reviews of them would be appreciated.

My Best to you, 
Norbert


nkonor
635 posts
 
Chip,

 I did go ahead and started my TT project.

Technics SL 1200 G , modded to take a Triplanar Classic SE. with a Lyra Kleos Carttidge.

Needed to curb my budget a bit. Still think that I will get a rig that can compete with the Big Guys.

As with bobh; I am interested in any updates on your rig and arm / cartridge combos you choose.

Best
nkonor
nkonor
635 posts
 
Chip,

Still have 3 weeks to wait for the Technics / Triplanar. The Lyra are the only cartridges that I have used. Must like them. The Proteus is on my list to audition. Axpona starts today and hopefully someone will be using one. TTs , arms , cartridges are so hard to get auditions of these days. The Etna is highly regarded.
nkonor
635 posts
 
attymbb,

Picked up my modded Technics SL1200G with Triplanar arm and Lyra Kleos. Heading home, about 4 1/2 hrs. to go. Can hardly wait to listen to it in my system.

Ralph and Tri Mai did a stunning job.
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