Need advice on new TT


Hi all

I'm currently using a restored Garrarad 301 but looking to go for a modern TT. Budget is around 20k$
My short list so far is Brinkmann Balance, Kronos Sparta and AMG Viella. I'm looking only for a table to use with my current 2 arms - Reed 3p and Ortofon 309D.
Any thoughts you wanna share with me on this ?
Thanks in advance to all repliers.
icorem

Showing 2 responses by mijostyn

Interesting choice of tables. The wave Kinetic is a fabulous table but I am very nervous with used tables. It does not take much to damage a bearing.
Of the three you have chosen I think the AMG is the best. I do not like turntables with separated motors. The Kronos is a plain Jane turntable in a flashy chassis. The counter rotating business in the more expensive units is just plain silliness. You really should consider the SME 20/12.
It is one of the best isolated and stabilized turntables you can buy and has a build quality above the ones you have chosen. It also has a great record hold down system.  You can get a second arm board and switching between arms is a snap.  
Of course it would be great audiotroy, because you are selling it. There is nothing special here except a different look and a plinth that is patently silly if you want to avoid resonance problems. All that you mention is marketing BS. Have fun selling it. The tonearm board is so small that the arms you can use on it are going to be limited. I would take any Kuzma table over it in a heartbeat not to mention any Basis, SOTA or SME. 
Chakster the Technics SP -10R is a dated design and it misses entirely several important issues such as isolation and mounting the record properly so that it is held tight and flat in a non resonating fashion. Very pretty though but if you buy turntables to look at you are in the right hobby for the wrong reasons. The Technics SP-10 and the Garrard's should be buried in the annals of Hi Fi history and appreciated for what they are, great designs in their day for their intended purpose which was really commercial radio stations whose last requirement, if even, was sound quality.
SOTA and SME are great companies to buy from because they are old and well established. Both have excellent customer service not to mention great turntables. Buying equipment from small, young companies is asking for it. Buying anything from Audiotroy who has a habit of popping in to sell stuff.... Never buy anything from a human who is trying to sell you something. They are way too dangerous. We are here to hash out these issues as hobbyists who are not trying to sell each other stuff and just want to try to understand the issues at hand. Audiotroy there are other very bright people who could easily try to sell their wares here but prefer not to on ethical grounds. They contribute to the issues at hand in a neutral fashion and I have the utmost respect for them and am way more likely to purchase one of their units.