Clearaudio Ovation Upgrade

Feeling a bit lazy this Sunday morning, but from a recent relevant thread: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/upgrade-clearaudio-performance-dc-or-move-up-to-ovation

" I went from a Concept Wood (w/ Satisfy arm) to Ovation w/ Tracer. The Ovation performs flawlessly, and presents a fuller, yet more nuanced sound, with a complete "black" background. It's a perfect table for me, and brings me joy. That said, I'm not sure the move to DC to Ovation would be worth the cost. Concept to Ovation, sure."

I’m way more than satisfied with the move to Ovation from Concept. I’ve had the Ovation for almost 2 years now, and I’ll still shake my head at how awesome it is. : ) At the time of the upgrade I had a Benz Wood SL and got to compare the same cart on both tables. Think of the Ovation as presenting in the same vein as the Concept did, but richer and more detailed all around. The Tracer arm tracks beautifully and is a no fuss arm. I now have a Benz LPS on the Ovation running into a Pass XP15, and am just so smitten when I spin a record. There are no obvious sins of commission with my setup.

I’m sorry I don’t have any experience with the DC, but I did consider it strongly. However, I just know I would’ve upgraded to the Ovation eventually, so rather than string myself along, I sprang for the Ovation. My goal was a near "end game" table (or one that keeps me placated for a few years... )

This is where in headed too, I'd like to be endgame. I think the Ovation is endgame for me. I've seen it in person and it's a beautiful table. I'm interested in learning while moving up the chain that's why I'm so curious about each tier. I'd like to avoid half-step moves if you know what I mean. My biggest complaint is motor noise the the concept. It isn't pronounced when playing records, but it is when music isn't playing. I'd also like to be able to use an outer ring and from what I've read it isn't possible on the DC, but is on the Ovation. My biggest qualm is the $3k price difference and realistic improvement from each. I'm torn.  

The Clearaudio Stainless Steel Outer Limit Ring Clamp works fine on the Performance DC and the DC wood. However, the Ovation is a much better turntable. Also, if your budget can stretch to $10K the AMG Giro is a better sounding TT than both the DC or the Ovation with the Tracer tonearm IMHO. Now if you can go to the Ovation with the Universal Arm it's a toss up between the Ovation and Giro. Your listening preferences will determine which is best for you. 
I was going to upgrade my Performance to the Ovation but after extensive listening to both I am now saving for the Giro. YMMV.
Good Luck!

@joey54 apparently Musical Surroundings doesn't recommend an outer limit ring on the Performance DC. They told me there's a big possibility for motor strain. I'll have to look into the AMG. I've been looking into Dr Feickert tables and Kuzma arm's as of the last week as well. I'm possibility holding off on the Performance DC and will be moving above that do DC/Feickert levels. 

That's interesting. Member tomstruck has been using it on his Performance DC for years. I will mention this to him. Thanks for the heads up!

*Ovation levels

What turntable did you decide upon?

 

@j-wall

 

 

@wturkey I found a great deal on a used Ovation and it was more than worth the cost coming from my concept. The table really is a massive move upwards from the concept too and I probably should have thought more about the cost of ownership. It came with the Universal Tonearm and I think it could be the last tonearm I need. Cartridge alignment is super easy and the platter just spins for days. I tested out the Linear Power Supply from Clearaudio, but I didn't notice it adding enough of anything I was missing so I've got it shelved up in my closet. I even noticed a lovely upgrade adding butcher block acoustic platform underneath. I'm still running my Hana ML, but I'm getting curious about moving up the chain and trying a Benz Micro. We'll see.