Tom,
I agree with Peterayer that, apart from general impression, it is almost impossible to reasonably characterize the sound of tables, much less how they will sound in any give system (which includes the listening room) and how the owner will receive the sound.
Because it is pretty much impossible to actually try different table/arm combinations in one's system before making a purchase, table purchase is a bit of a gamble.
My own comments, which will follow, like that of Peter, should be considered only rough impressions.
Certain tables just sound more lively and punchy, while others sound more composed and dark (quiet). Which is better depends on system and preference. The SME tables are in the composed and darker camp. If one does not need the table/arm to inject some liveliness into the sound, this is a good choice. I own a Basis Debut table which is very much in this camp (does a good job of dampening vibration imparted by the cartridge in the record itself and the tonearm). To me, these kind of tables sound less hashy and rough. But, in a system that is already somewhat dynamically dull (a lot of systems are), such tables can sound overdampened and dull.
The Clearaudio tables I've heard seem to be a bit more in the lively camp, but, not excessively so. I have heard terrific systems built around their tables.
I don't know what you are looking for in a table, but, I will say that I consider the Michell to be in the lively camp. If you liked that sound, but want just a little bit "more" (e.g., weight in the bass) then the Clearaudio table is probably a better choice. If you want a bigger change, then go with the SME.
By the way, I've heard the Carmel speaker and was really impressed with what I heard. In many respects it is the diametric opposite of the kind of design that I normally prefer, but it does so much right (instrumental tone and harmonic structure, clarity, detail). It is a "modern" sounding speaker, which means it does lean toward the leaner and "drier" side of the spectrum, but avoids much of the unmusically analytical sound of much of its competition.
If I were making making the choice you have to make (given my own taste and what I know of your speaker system), I might lean more toward the SME, but, really either would work well and would be a great choice. I would say the same about a lot of the other recommendations made above--I love my Basis table, I think the Sota is a great table for the money.
I agree with Peterayer that, apart from general impression, it is almost impossible to reasonably characterize the sound of tables, much less how they will sound in any give system (which includes the listening room) and how the owner will receive the sound.
Because it is pretty much impossible to actually try different table/arm combinations in one's system before making a purchase, table purchase is a bit of a gamble.
My own comments, which will follow, like that of Peter, should be considered only rough impressions.
Certain tables just sound more lively and punchy, while others sound more composed and dark (quiet). Which is better depends on system and preference. The SME tables are in the composed and darker camp. If one does not need the table/arm to inject some liveliness into the sound, this is a good choice. I own a Basis Debut table which is very much in this camp (does a good job of dampening vibration imparted by the cartridge in the record itself and the tonearm). To me, these kind of tables sound less hashy and rough. But, in a system that is already somewhat dynamically dull (a lot of systems are), such tables can sound overdampened and dull.
The Clearaudio tables I've heard seem to be a bit more in the lively camp, but, not excessively so. I have heard terrific systems built around their tables.
I don't know what you are looking for in a table, but, I will say that I consider the Michell to be in the lively camp. If you liked that sound, but want just a little bit "more" (e.g., weight in the bass) then the Clearaudio table is probably a better choice. If you want a bigger change, then go with the SME.
By the way, I've heard the Carmel speaker and was really impressed with what I heard. In many respects it is the diametric opposite of the kind of design that I normally prefer, but it does so much right (instrumental tone and harmonic structure, clarity, detail). It is a "modern" sounding speaker, which means it does lean toward the leaner and "drier" side of the spectrum, but avoids much of the unmusically analytical sound of much of its competition.
If I were making making the choice you have to make (given my own taste and what I know of your speaker system), I might lean more toward the SME, but, really either would work well and would be a great choice. I would say the same about a lot of the other recommendations made above--I love my Basis table, I think the Sota is a great table for the money.