Wow, what a great discussion. As a Galibier owner, I can't wait for RMAF to audition the new motor/controller.
I tend to agree with the opinion that while each design has its particular set of strengths and weakness (resulting in a signature sound), excellence in implementation is critical. The Saskia is a very different from my Galibier and each have their own sonic signature, however, I would be happy with either. With a well-designed system, it's not 'better or worse', it's a matter of taste.
One additional variable that hasn't been addressed is production variability. Since many of the high end tables have limited production runs, I would guess that there is variability between each table produced by a given manufacturer.
My wife and I experienced a similar phenomenon when we purchased our piano. After months of auditioning, we decided we perferred the Steinway sound. We spent many hours over two counsecutive days, auditioning 18 Steinway L models. Each piano had the Steinway sound, but every one sounded and played a little differently. On the 2nd day of our auditions, Van Cliburn was visiting the dealer's showroom and he played each of our finalists. That really brought out the individual personality of each piano. (Analogous to the difference between having your analog system set up well versus set up perfectly).
I tend to agree with the opinion that while each design has its particular set of strengths and weakness (resulting in a signature sound), excellence in implementation is critical. The Saskia is a very different from my Galibier and each have their own sonic signature, however, I would be happy with either. With a well-designed system, it's not 'better or worse', it's a matter of taste.
One additional variable that hasn't been addressed is production variability. Since many of the high end tables have limited production runs, I would guess that there is variability between each table produced by a given manufacturer.
My wife and I experienced a similar phenomenon when we purchased our piano. After months of auditioning, we decided we perferred the Steinway sound. We spent many hours over two counsecutive days, auditioning 18 Steinway L models. Each piano had the Steinway sound, but every one sounded and played a little differently. On the 2nd day of our auditions, Van Cliburn was visiting the dealer's showroom and he played each of our finalists. That really brought out the individual personality of each piano. (Analogous to the difference between having your analog system set up well versus set up perfectly).