Hanss T-60. Many benefits like multiple motors and can support multiple tonearms to name a couple. If you read 3 of the absolute sound reviews of the 'cost no object' best sounding rooms at the 2016 Newport Audio show, they picked the Lotus Group room that was sourced with the Hanss T-60SE turntable. Kronos was there but didn't make the top sounding room list. I have had my Hanns T-60 for 6 years and love it.
Im using TW Acustic AC3 with Black Night 3 motor unit,feet,battery power supply,arm board and copper motor cover as well as TW Acustic tonearm sounds great to me.Im not worried about any Kronos turntable they are very good as well.
The Thales Simplicity II tonearm has elevated my TW AC-3 to a new level. the TW with its very flexible tonearm mounting system is a definate plus point.
I would like to hear the Kronus, however the Wave Kinetics NVS table is of more interest and it can take multiple arms as well.
Were I to be at all interested in any belt-drive turntable, the Kronos would be my choice. This is in no way meant to denigrate the TW Acoustics product.
I see the Kronos as EXTREMELY precise, absolute perfect speed, a low low low self-noise piece of fine engineering; really the quietest table I've ever seen.
I also think it leans a bit to the detailed, analytical side (nothing wrong with that) but I want to balance all of the above good traits with a cartridge that will add 'beauty,' rich tone/harmonics, and that inner life similar to what a really good tube pre can do.
What are some really good cartridge candidates in the $3,000 - $5,000 range? Any recommendations?
Can I crash this party, and see what thoughts are on Kuzma tables. MF just reviewed the Stabi M with 14" arm in the new Stereophile. It was a good review, but he mentioned it was a bit on the dry side with his Lyra cartridge. I've only heard a Feickert with Kuzma 12" VTA arm. I didn't find it dry at all. In fact, it was too warm for me. Didn't have a good PRAT. I'm interested in the Kuzma tables, and will have my ears on one early next month. Not an easy task, as they don't have a strong presence in the US.
I bought a Kuzma Stabi S with 12"VTA arm, platter upgrade (essentially, two platters matted together) , upgraded motor and outboard power supply ;33 and 45 rpm Like the ergonomics of it over my LP12. Speed stability, quiet, huge soundstage , images out of a black background, precise, neutral, not the toe tapping of a properly tuned Linn,but great detail. Compact footprint, Great customer service from Kuzma.Forgot to pack wrenches and oil; sent directly from factory to my address promptly. Only thing I want is a custom dustcover.
TW or Kronos. Both sound amazing. I have owned a TW Acustic Raven 2 for years. The TW Acustic TT is a "go to the grave" piece of stereo equipment for me. Love it! The added bonus is Jeff Catalano, High Water Sound. He is amazing to work with. The best. Straight shooter. Helps people build incredible systems that have a synergy with equipment that preforms at its best together.
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