Nottingham Interspace TT/Arm vs Used Linn Lp12

I am glad to see that the Spacedeck is becoming the choice of so many and is getting the "props" it deserves.

Ok, others can weigh in here since two other tables are being brought to the fray. Personally, I like the Spacedeck better than either of the two tables you mention, especially the 2001. Too, I would not own a Basis if you think you'll ever have to deal with the designer. One nice quality of the Aries is that you have an upgrade path with VPI - if that is important to you.

Look for a used Spacedeck and arm. You should find one for around $2K with only a modicum of patience.

IMHO, the Interspace and up in the 'Not line will make you forget about the Linn (which I have owned). E-mail me in the event you'd like further detail on what I anticipate will be a sound choice for you.

Generally speaking, all 'Not tables come without arms and then the distributor or dealers package them with a 'Not arm to provide a "package" deal. There is the Interspace arm which is often sold with the Interspace, but even more frequently I have seen the Spacearm paired with the Interspace. If you can afford the marginal extra cost it is worth the price. IMHO, you have to spend $2K or better to improve upon the Spacearm on the Interspace or Spacedeck. I have not seen the Rega arms sold in package with the Interspace personally, but a simple replacement of the stock split-ring collet ($35) will allow one to accommodate any Rega/OL arm. Again, though, unless one is going up to, say, the OL Illustrious, I would stick with the Spacearm. Even then, there are better higher-end arm choices than the Illustrious.

With respect to cartridges - If you get a 'Not arm, I would highly recommend the Shelter 501MkII, though I would NOT recommended the Denon (too stiff). Other cartridges I would recommend in that general price range are the Ortofon Kontrapunkt a (or b if you can swing it), the Goldring Eroica, Dynavector 17d, and I have recently learned that the Shure V15VxMR is a good match (though one I have not heard).

I will not disparage the Linn. I once owned one and it served me well. However, I think you will find the Interspace with a much quieter background and with a very musical presentation. Better pace and MUCH more detailed. The 'Nots, at least in my experience, have the added benefit of being extremely easy to setup, are not particularly fussy about location as long as it is high mass, and have uncanny accuracy in terms of rotational stability and consistent speed.

I continue to believe that the Interspace and Spacedeck (along with the newer Horizon) are extremely good values - proponents of alternative values in the direct drive or idler wheel table models notwithstanding.

I have mentioned the 17d. I think the Interspace deserve a little better than the Blue Point. It is a decent cartridge and all but there are better option, IMHO, at that price. I have not heard the Glider on a Spacearm but two folks that I know replaced their Gliders with other cartridges. The Benz LO2 is a good match but out of your price range. You will not find opinions with respect to every cartridge with this table, or any table. Best advice is to audition if at all possible, or buy one with which a few have found success and evaluate for yourself. I would also suggest posting on AA. There are often more 'Not owners "lurking" there.

A side note. If one decides to go with a Spacedeck, buy one with the original "low" platter, not the "heavyweight". The latter robs the Spacedeck of its beautiful musical qualities. In fact, it doesn't even sound like the same table. Tom Fletcher has said that the heavyweight was in response to market perceptions and not an effort to improve performance.

I built my own dustcover using 1/4" plexi and finished the edges with wood trim. Looks great, works great, but is heavy. Search the forums! There were suggestions for dustcovers not to long ago.

Soliver, it is good to hear that you enjoy the Hadcock. It has been said that Tom Fletcher used a Hadcock to "voice" his first tables. I tried a Hadcock in comparison with the Spacearm using a Shelter MkII and preferred the Spacearm. Perhaps things are different with the Benz.

As an aside, and perhps it is either a typo or a misunderstanding on my part, but where can you get a Spacedeck/Hadcock for $1600 retail? The Spacedeck without arm is generally $1,800 retail and something tells me they aren't throwing in the Hadcock and also discounting the table by a two c-notes! :-)

Soliver - you are correct in that in my intial assessment I thought the Mystic Mat was a shade better than the Mat1. I still think it is a close call but, after a more extended comparison, I prefer the Mat1 ON THE SPACEDECK due to its ability to provide a more realistic mid range and a quieter background than the Mystic Mat. In addition, what I first misinterpreted as the Mat1 being a tad light in the lower end is actually due to better definition of the bass, which I've noticed after further listening. OTOH, my friend continues to prefer the Mystic on his table - so there ya go! :-)

I should add that my Spacedeck has the original "short" platter which I WHOLLY prefer to the "heavyweight" and I've not heard the Mystic on the taller platter.