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Schroder sq and the new talea

I heard there was to be a fun time of learning and comparing of these two arms at the rmaf. Since the talea is relatively new, it still has to stand the test of time with comparisons on other tables, other systems and the selective and subjective tastes of discerning audiophiles! There is to be a comparison in one of the rooms at the rmaf this year, which i wasnt able to make. I would be curious to hear some judicial, diplomatic, friendly talk about how they compared to each other in the same system and room. I currently own the origin live silver mk3 with a jan allaerts mc1bmk2 and am enjoying this combo but have become curious about the more popular "superarms" Hats off to both frank and joel.

I hope this thread draws more light rather than heat. If someone preferred one arm over the other it would be OK. With all the variables it doesnt mean that much to me. What matters to me is what it sounds like to me and in my room. With that said...

What was your bias? was it for the schroder or the talea?

cheers!...
vertigo

Showing 4 responses by jazdoc

jazdoc
365 posts
 
Warren Buffet once described value investing as "simple but not easy". I think that can be applied to audio design.
jazdoc
365 posts
 
"Price is what you pay, value is what you get" -- Warren Buffett

Value is then in the eye of the beholder. The cost of materials Picasso used to create "Guernica" amounted to a few dollars, yet the value of his creation is incalculable. On a larger scale, price and value meet on the open market.

On a personal scale, high end manufacturers allow me to experience a facimile of Coltrane's genius; a tremendous value to myself which I am fortunate to share with my immediate family. Nor is it possible for me to assign a value to the friendships that have resulted from participating in this hobby and sharing the joys of music. This has immeasurably enriched my life.

I would not be so presumptious to assign a different value to anyone else.
jazdoc
365 posts
 
Sebastian's and Halcro's comments are interesting.

I've heard the older generation XV1-s and the ZYX on the Talea and Triplanar VIIu and it was no comparison: the XV1-s was much better.

I have also compared the older generation XV1-s and the A90 and although a much closer call, I prefer the A90.

Unfortunately, haven't had the chance to compare the current XV1-s and the A90...suspect that one might come down to personal taste.
jazdoc
365 posts
 
Well...I would never state that the Talea is unequivocally better for every turntable and cartridge combination. I can only comment on those systems I've actually HEARD.

More to the point, the only combination that matters to ME are the cartridges I use (or am likely to use in the foreseeable future) in my system.

As to the comparison between the Triplanar and Talea, in MY experience, on systems I've actually HEARD... Well let me preface by saying that the Triplanar is a terrific tonearm and I remain a very happy Triplanar owner. That said, the Talea plays in a different league and that for ME the Talea is well worth the price differential.

I can not make a judgment for anyone else, but unreservedly recommend auditioning both (among others) if you are assembling a high quality analog system.
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