New Turntable: Teres, Nottingham, Origin?

Teres 245 at 2500
SME 309 at 1000 from Hong Kong
Shelter 501 at 560 from HOng Kong

Last turntable you'll need.

Hi Flyingred. Actually, the Origin Live tables get very good reviews even from those who don't accept advertising (e.g., Bound for Sound). The Origin Live tonearms have very good reviews from users here on the 'Gon. Why aren't more sold? Beats me. I can only speculate.

Separately, I'm not convinced that mass alone is the driver behind good sound in a table. As with all things audio, the design and execution of all parts together is what makes things tick. Taking that a bit further, it's likely that a table that sounds great plugged into one system may not perform as well in another. So, I'd certainly "try before you buy" at home with any component, especially one as critical as a table.

4yanx brings up a good point with service. I've not needed any so can't speak to it. The dealer I use is very accessible and always willing to help.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

Raul, I'm sure the Final Tool is an excellent TT. Judging sound reproduction has objective parameters, but within certain parameters there are a wide range of subjective factors, including taste, that influence our judgements. But appearance or looks is almost completely subjective; it's just a matter of taste. In this regard, I do not find the Final Tool TT to be visually appealing. It's not the ultimate issue, of course, but it does matter. The 3 tables I'm considering here I find very, very, very attractive--I simply like the looks of all 3 of them. And given what I consider to be the beauty and warm, inviting appearance of my other components, the Final Tool wouldn't fit in.

One of my concerns about the Teres is the ease of setup compared to the Nott' Spacedeck. I've read that the Teres is a TT for Tweakers. Although I love tweaking my system, (tube rolling is a "blast"), I don't enjoy fussing. Since there seem to be so many different things to "play around with--or tweak" with the Teres, I can see myself obsessing about whether everything is set up "correctly" or the best it can be. The whole point, for me, is to forget about listening to the equipment, and simply listen to the music.

Also, I've never read any specific comments on the two main wood choices for the Teres--Rosewood or Cocobolo. Is the latter really better for sound than the former?

Again, thanks for your comments, and please keep them coming.

Thanks, Bill

Since there seem to be so many different things to "play around with--or tweak" with the Teres, I can see myself obsessing about whether everything is set up "correctly" or the best it can be. The whole point, for me, is to forget about listening to the equipment, and simply listen to the music.

Bill,
I'm confused by this. What is there to play around with or tweak on a Teres? There are literally zero adjustments on mine. I go for weeks without tweaking anything but the on/off button! You don't even have to adjust speed, the Teres motor controller does that for you. Setup could be done by any concientious twelve year old who can read and follow instructions. Those are posted on the Teres website BTW. Give them a read, they may calm your concerns.

Much the same is undoubtedly true of the Final Tool, a Galibier or most other high-mass, unsuspended designs. "Set and forget" is truly how these tables work. Suspended decks like those from OL will necessarily require somewhat more attention.

Also, I've never read any specific comments on the two main wood choices for the Teres--Rosewood or Cocobolo. Is the latter really better for sound than the former?

Chris Brady describes the sound of the different woods on the website.

Doug