Need advice on new TT, arm and cartridge.


I think, I'm done with the rest of my system for now, so I can move onto the analog.
Just briefly, my system is Avantgarde Duo Omega G2 speakers,
Lamm ML2 power amps and VAC Signature IIa full function preamp with built-in MM/MC phono stage.
I have a few requirements for the analog set-up, aside from the sound quality:
I want it to be as "not tweaky", as possible. I don't want to spent my time making 17 adjustments every time I want to listen to a record. "Set and forget" is the way, I'd prefer it.
I'm really open to other suggestions. Thank you.
Budget- wise, I would prefer to stay under $10K for the TT, arm and cart.
The big question for me is the sound signature of the different tables, arms and cartridges. I heard multiple analog setups in unfamiliar systems, but none in my own (aside from the KAB Technics Sl 1200+ Shelter 501 MkII, that I used to own.
I've read so much of a debate b/w various drive types- DD, Idler, Belt, but still, I don't have a clear understanding of their respective signature sound.
So far, I have a few candidates:
Belt Drive; TW Raven One,or maybe AC; Basis 2500/2800
DD; Technics SP 10 MkII in various plinths (Dobbins, Porter, etc.) As a matter of fact I have Technics SP10 MkII table sitting in a box, awaiting it's destiny)
Idler: Garrard (again in one of the above mentioned custom plinths).
Even less clear to me are the differences b/w various arms.
I have a following list:
Reed, SME-V, Graham Phantom B-44 MkII, Basis Vector 3/4; Kuzma 4Point,
I want the arm to be compatible with as wide variety of carts, as possible.
And now is the list of possible cartridges:
Lyra Delos /Kleos, Dynavector XV-1S/T, Koetsu?, Benz?
I listen to all kinds of music, and my general preferences of the reproduced sound is toward little more relaxed and natural, but dynamic, vs. hyper detailed and analytical.
maril555

Showing 4 responses by maril555

Jeremy72,
Thanks for the advice. I do also consider Artisan Fidelity tables, and even had a chance to speak with Chris at the last RMAF.
But here is the thing- I still don't know what would be the sonic differences b/w let's say his Technics SP10 MkII, Garrard 301 and TW Raven One, everything else being equal.
Vic,
How would you describe SP 10 sound signature?, and how it's different from say TW Raven One?
Syntax,
I openly admit to being fairly new to analogue, hence my inquiry.
Following your suggestion, could you elaborate as to why you prefer Basis to other belt-drive TW Raven One?
There is a Technics SP10 MkII in Porter plinth with SME 312 S arm for sale now on A-gon- do you have any input with regards to this particular combo?
Thanks
Unoear,
Thank you. Reading some Graham reviews, I was left with an impression, that it sounds somewhat "thinner" and "less full in the midrange", than say SME, or Tri- Planar.
I don't know if the same could be said about Graham Phantom Supreme, but that's the sonic charachteristic, I would rather try to avoid. My system is very revealing of the components used in the chain, and can be easily pushed in any direction.
There is also a Micro Seiki for sale on A-gon, but I know nothing about Seikies to make informed decision.