I've heard the DPS/Ayre turntable twice, both during mfr's open house demos hosted by my local high end dealer, one Feb 2009 and the other last month. The first demo had the modified RB250 arm; the second a DPS arm. The turntable sounded great both times and I think a little better the second time with the DPS arm.
Thing is, this 'table is targeted for about $10K and it reminds me strongly of a $30K SME. It's a *really* good-sounding turntable, neutral in all the right ways. Great delicacy and nuance, but outstanding pace, bass extension, and slam as well. Both rigs had a Lyra (Helikon?) cartridge, which was a good match.
Thing is, this 'table is targeted for about $10K and it reminds me strongly of a $30K SME. It's a *really* good-sounding turntable, neutral in all the right ways. Great delicacy and nuance, but outstanding pace, bass extension, and slam as well. Both rigs had a Lyra (Helikon?) cartridge, which was a good match.