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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
attymbb OP
25 posts
 
nkonor,


            Thank you for the congratulations. I have actually updated some stuff since I initially posted this thread. My complete system can be viewed at the virtual systems ( Sorry, don't know how to link it and I have to update the pics as well.

            To answer your questions: I'm using a Graham Phantom 1 tonearm, my old but still reliable Benz Lps and a ARC Reference Phono 3. I have a 2nd Graham Phantom 2 tonearm still waiting for the extra arm board I already ordered. My other cartridge, the MSL Ultra Eminent Bc is at Soundsmith as I accidentally bent the canitilever and the Transfiguration Proteus I recently purchased is back at the dealer's pending replacement due to a factory defect.   In the meantime, I have a Koetsu Blue Lace and MSL Signature Gold on home demo.

            Can't you do a combo of the Af3 and Triplanar instead? A combination of your option 1 and option 2. The SAT arm though really good is quite costly. Just a suggestion.
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


attymbb OP
25 posts
 
Nkonor,

              I'm sorry to hear about your health issues. I'm glad that your on your way to recovery. Health is truly wealth and even winning the lottery isn't worth more than that ( though it can buy quite a number of gears though, hahaha). Take your time. Your health is more important and all this audio stuff will still be there when your healthy and ready.

              I'll take more pics one of these days. As to the room treatments you mentioned, I never took pics but I have them all over the room( mixture of absorbers and diffusers). I actually had to dial it down ( removed a lot of absorbers, the entire front wall except the last panel to the corners) to get more bass which I finally have but still have somewhat of slightly-rolled off highs. The cartridge demoes confirmed this as I have heard these cartridges before in friends systems.

Chip 
              

bobheinatz
718 posts
 
Chip any updates on your new tt?
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
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