Continuum Caliburn - really the best TT on earth?

After you guys finish trading bon mots, perhaps someone can tell me what unique sonic benefit one could possibly get from a $100,000 turntable that one cannot get from a $20,000 to $25,000 turntable, or even a $50,000 one? Surely there must be words to describe the wonderment. At the "six-figure" price level it's all about cosmetics and exclusivity, IMO.

Downunder, I would re-phrase your opening statement: "What the heck, if you can afford to buy the most expensive- why the hell not?" After looking at Thuchan's collection of gear, I can only think that the addition of another megabuck turntable will not stave off boredom for very long.
Thuchan, In my opinion, the factor most responsible for whatever you may not like about your present "sound" is likely to be those speakers, not any of those great turntables. I am not saying this in criticism of the Wilson speakers per se, but I am suggesting that the Wilson's have a certain strong "flavor" that I expect might dominate the sonic signature. I admit this reflects my own personal bias against large, inefficient, low impedance, multi-driver arrays that require lots of amplifier power.

Congratulations, Thuchan, assuming that the crate contains what we all think it contains. I think the outcome was inevitable from the start. You just wanted some moral support. I hope you will keep this thread alive by relating to us your judgement of the Caliburn once it is up and running in your own system and in comparison to the fine products you already own.

Dear Thuchan, I am a bit confused. Which one did you end up with, Criterion or Caliburn? Also, I went to the Continuum website to try to get some idea of the design and construction of these products. They don't show any photos of the platter and motor with the belt in place. Can you tell me whether the drive is the usual type, where the belt travels around the pulley and platter only, or is there a capstan-like device or secondary pulley, to bring the belt into more continuous contact with the platter? And does the drive belt run around the perimeter of the platter or around what appears to be a smaller diameter subplatter? Thanks.

Thanks very much. The photo answers my question quite nicely. I take it that the magnetic suspension effectively isolates the tonearm mounting board from the rest of the chassis. The design is beautifully executed.

On their website, Continuum site a review of the Criterion in Tone Audio. IMO, that review was written by a person who is not qualified to evaluate a high-end turntable, due to limitations of both his system and his way of thinking. I am surprised Continuum would reference it at all.

Forgot to ask, in what ways does the Caliburn differ from or improve upon the Criterion?