So, here is a perspective, an opinion,
For these upper priced tables, there appears to be about a 3-4:1 ratio between the table the tonearm. With the SAT arm already at $50K, to market a matching table, the table has to cost $150K-$200K. Its part of the brand exclusivity. We see similar type brand-pricing everywhere - cars, watches, etc.
However, from my perspective as someone with an engineering background, this table is not breaking any new state of the art. The motor is a modified Technics; the base is a modified Minus-K isolation platform and as far as the plinth, magnesium alloy has been known for over 50 years to provide superior damping qualities. The SME magnesium tonearm is not by chance. But the review does indicate that a lot of machining was done in Switzerland by the same group that machines parts for Hasselblad (that has a $48K camera w/o lens). So, it is a object where no expense was been spared.
It would have been nice to know how much benefit did the modified Minus-K base provided. You can buy a Minus-K platform for abut $5K - Thin Low Height Vibration Isolation Platforms & Bench Tops | Minus K. Otherwise, the design is very compact and compared to others could be very appealing, especially those that already have a SAT arm. Is this table going to be trickle-down - no; the primary technologies - the motor, the base, the plinth are all tried and true - but not necessarily together. And, it is entirely possible that the table & arm form a ’magical’ synergy that the whole exceeds the sum of the parts and it sounds awesome. But, how does it compare to say the Basis A.J. Conti: Transcending Perfection — Basis Audio - that Fremer has never reviewed - TAS RH got the scoop on that table.
Yes, the cost of the extreme upper echelon of audio has reached staggering heights - along with the incomes of the very rich; and of course where this is desire - someone is going to fulfil it. However, there are so many other lower cost awesome products that it would be a shame for some to view this hobby-pursuit with contempt, because they will miss-out on the journey if they choose and the enjoyment of so much awesome music when played back through a nice system.
Just some thoughts
For these upper priced tables, there appears to be about a 3-4:1 ratio between the table the tonearm. With the SAT arm already at $50K, to market a matching table, the table has to cost $150K-$200K. Its part of the brand exclusivity. We see similar type brand-pricing everywhere - cars, watches, etc.
However, from my perspective as someone with an engineering background, this table is not breaking any new state of the art. The motor is a modified Technics; the base is a modified Minus-K isolation platform and as far as the plinth, magnesium alloy has been known for over 50 years to provide superior damping qualities. The SME magnesium tonearm is not by chance. But the review does indicate that a lot of machining was done in Switzerland by the same group that machines parts for Hasselblad (that has a $48K camera w/o lens). So, it is a object where no expense was been spared.
It would have been nice to know how much benefit did the modified Minus-K base provided. You can buy a Minus-K platform for abut $5K - Thin Low Height Vibration Isolation Platforms & Bench Tops | Minus K. Otherwise, the design is very compact and compared to others could be very appealing, especially those that already have a SAT arm. Is this table going to be trickle-down - no; the primary technologies - the motor, the base, the plinth are all tried and true - but not necessarily together. And, it is entirely possible that the table & arm form a ’magical’ synergy that the whole exceeds the sum of the parts and it sounds awesome. But, how does it compare to say the Basis A.J. Conti: Transcending Perfection — Basis Audio - that Fremer has never reviewed - TAS RH got the scoop on that table.
Yes, the cost of the extreme upper echelon of audio has reached staggering heights - along with the incomes of the very rich; and of course where this is desire - someone is going to fulfil it. However, there are so many other lower cost awesome products that it would be a shame for some to view this hobby-pursuit with contempt, because they will miss-out on the journey if they choose and the enjoyment of so much awesome music when played back through a nice system.
Just some thoughts