Continuum Caliburn - really the best TT on earth?

At the top level you are chosing ergonomics, looks, pride of ownership, and touch and feel. I think with your experience you know that all tables have some sonic signature.

Thuchan, I believe it would be a grand addition to your collection. Also, you should own a Walker for some time to hear what ultra mass designs can accomplish. I would go after the Continuum, the new Goldmund and put a deposit with Andy Payer for the new Rockport.

Peter

To me, a turntable is part art, part performance.

I too collect and I love the pursuit of the acquisition as much as I do the day to day enjoyment of it.

Why do I need four simultaneous working tables in the main system? Why do I need five classic tables in other rooms? No reason except for the enjoyment of ownership of what the audio artist created.

Jay Lenoism... it you can indulge in it why not? What is better than enjoyment, happiness and fulfillment?

Peter

For me, yes. I am happy when I see, touch and experience all the great pieces of audio art that grace my home. I truly relish in it all. I collect art as well and feel the same way. It brings me happiness. I've been smitten by audio equipment since being a boy and I make no apologies about it. My Bozaks bring me the same joy as my MBLs... they don't argue, they don't talk back, they don't divorce me, they don't sue me. I challenge you to tell me what can bring such pure joy notwithstanding breathtaking sunsets, love making, financial success and family?

Raul, yes it sure is a Goldbug. A very vivid but yet accurate and natural cartridge. It's one of the favorites. I have a great love affair with LOMCs from Scantechs to Miyabi's, even certain Koetsus (if loaded properly).

Peter

To give you an idea of how I test things:
This is a 126 MB file so it will take a minute to load. I'll keep it up for a day or so :)
http://www.moneyrec.com/vids/audiogon.avi

Yes, I believe the listening atmosphere is very important to the overall aesthetic of the experience. Such as when seated in our very fine looking (unfortunately with suspicious sonics) Verizon Hall. Please google verizon hall images to see the beauty of it.

Peter

This is all very cloak and dagger Thuchan.

Did you buy a new Caliburn? Used Caliburn?

Peter

Congrats!!!

Now don't get too smitten with it. If upon placing the needle in the groove for the first time and you say that the performer materialized before your very eyes... we may just have to believe you. Just make sure she's beautiful!

My best!

Peter

Thuchan,

Don't be afraid to move the Continuum and stand from out of the soundstage. In all its eagerness to please its new owner it may want to sing along with the music or at least annoy the singer on the stage between the speakers :)

Was that Norah Jones?

:)

Peter

This is a problem us multi table users face, in fact a bona bona fide dilemma! What to do...what to do...

One solution is multiple phono stages and transformers. I went this route fearing though the long interconnect runs to the main preamp (currently a Wyetech Opal). This actually worked out well, the Wyetech has four or five line inputs so I can switch tables click-click-click. I did not notice any sonic degradation with the longer runs and the versatility is fantastic.

I stand in front of the system like a conductor with his orchestra and select the different players... Mr. Brier or Mr. Koetsu, or Mr. Mark Levinson, or Mr. van den Hull, or Mr. Carr. It's marvelous.

Hi Thuchan, great to know the table is breathing and living in your home. I have to ask, what is the belt material? Are you married to the builder's decision here? Does it place any pressure on the platter? What is the relationship to its friction component of tension vs. "stickiness"?

All my best from your west,

Peter