SME 20/3 or Oracle Delphi VI or Garrard 301

Guys, FYI there are 3 or 4 turntables on this crazy market that sell for a bit under to way over $100K. (I think the Clearaudio behemoth sells for $250K.) That's why I grabbed that figure out of the air. Yes, I agree that those prices are absurd.

Lewm.....Yep you are correct, at least 4 tables over that price. In fact saw something the other day for $650,000!!!
I would love to hear your table...I'm very intrigued about DD. There is so much good science attached to the concept.
I am living on an island and I want something that is gonna be plug and play to a large extent.
I'd love to mess with plinths and feet and all that but I have a car to rebuild and waves to surf ;-)
Maybe one day I will pick up a Garrard or Technics or....but right now the winner of my TT search is...........

Let me guess. You are buying Brinkmann Balance with Schroeder arm, right?

Inna.......sorry, wrong answer ;-)
It's gonna be the SME 20/12 with V-12 arm.
Now for the cartridge!

Great decision on the table/arm Mauidji. For a cartridge, how about either the Dynavector XV-1S or Air Tight PC-1?

A decent Ortofon is an excellent match with SME. I've got a Jubilee on my Model 10 and a Cadenza Black on the 20.

Congrats, Maudidj. Making a decision with all the choices available and very little data is difficult.

I knew it! I just said Brinkman because that's what I suggested. Both that Dyna and Air Tight are in high esteem. Cartridge choice is a very personal one, more than the table/arm. You should really talk to those who have SME set-up, their preferences might be somewhat different but it would be helpful nonetheless.

Peterayer and Inna....those 2 are high on my list. Especially like the Dyna option.
Diggory...Yes I am also thinking about the Jubilee or A-90.
But just to throw a spanner in the works......
How about a SoundSmith Strain Gauge?
And here's the reason.
I live on a beach and it is very corrosive around here. My MC's don't fair too well with the salt as it corrodes the wires. I have gone through 4 carts in 10 years through failures due to corrosion or rubber failure...never a worn stylus or collapsed cantilever.
MM's fair way better.
But in chatting with Peter Ledermann of SS he explained that he could make the SG almost corrosion proof.
Add to that the fact that it is a user replaceable stylus and it starts looking attractive to me.
All the reviews are more than favorable....actually they are downright raves.
So....?

The Lyra Kleos is on the list too.

Mauidj, congrats on making your choice and enjoy! as long as you are listening to music that's really all that matters.

Not many here are familiar with the Strain Gauge, even fewer who use it with SME if at all. I certainly have no idea. Cartridge shopping is tough especially at this level.

So true.
Nearly every 20/12 user I have encountered through the forums seem to prefer the XV-1s.
We will see.......