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Clearaudio Ovation vs Kuzma Stabi R

Curious to hear about the pros and cons of each table. I own a Clearaudio Ovation with a Universal 9" Arm, but am considering selling to move to a Kuzma Stabi R and 4 point 9". I would like to avoid a lateral move, so curious about differences between tables. Kuzma is almost twice as heavy of a table, any input on how that translates to sound? I enjoy the detail of the Clearaudio, but is there more detail to be had with a Kuzma? More rigid belt leading to different sound? Any and all input is welcomed and appreciated. 

j-wall

Showing 2 responses by rsf507

rsf507
2,393 posts
 

I've only heard Clearaudio tables at shows and while they sounded ok they didn't move me. What I can say without hesitation is whenever I've listened to the Stabi R it has the rhythm and pace that no other table I've heard has. I've heard it with both a 4Point & 4Point9 and honestly I'd happily live the rest of my days on earth with either. You asked about detail? I feel it's your cartridge choices that this will make the most differences. The cartridge I heard at the dealership was a SoundSmith Hyperion MR. Good luck in your own journey but I'm saving up for a Stabi R.

rsf507
2,393 posts
 

Hard to put into words but when I heard the Clearaudio it just didn't have the life or energy that other tables had. No connections to the music for me. Now the Stabi R was just the opposite. It had foot stomping rhythm. Several times I got chills while listening, just some unforgettable listening sessions. 

I've heard the XV-1s and did like it but felt it was a bit forward sounding which could have been the speaker setup, who knows. 

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