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SME 20/3 or Oracle Delphi VI or Garrard 301

I am just about to buy a new table. I have happily owned an original oracle Delphi for 30 years! Choices are the new 20/3, Oracle Delphi VI or possibly a rebuilt Garrard 301. They all run about the same money.
The reviews and comments out there lead me to believe I will be better off using a non SME arm on the 20/3...I will probably go with a Graham Phantom. (I like the removable arm tube concept too) For now I will use my SME IV.
keep reading the SME detractors claim that the tables are lifeless. Not something you can accuse a Delphi of for sure. The HiFi News reviews of both tables are nothing short of glowing. As far as I can tell the Oracle is possibly more nimble and musical(?) while the SME is more "solid".
Your thoughts are welcom
mauidj

Showing 1 response by robob

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robob
205 posts
 
"The reviews and comments out there lead me to believe I will be better off using a non SME arm on the 20/3"

So folks are saying to put a non SME arm on a SME table? Check to see if they are off their meds.

As for the 301, yes it must be fashion and follow the leader. We discounted idler drive 40 years ago or more. And direct drive as well.

"I think most of the "lifeless" comments come from folks who have tables that "contribute" to the sound. "

Yep, removing resonances is why some folks don't like clamps. Too accurate for them.

Discloser, I own a SME 309 on a Sota Star with a suspension, clamp and vacuum system. Not much to resonate there.

Hope your turntable/arm hunt goes well,
Robert
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