2. analog
  3. 1084430111

Spacedeck compared with Gyrodec SE

I am currently using a Music Hall MMF-7 with stock Eroica MC cartridge and am looking to upgrade my analog rig. I believe I have narrowed down my search between the following, and would like input from any that have had experience with these tables. I am looking to start with either table configured as described while considering a cartridge upgrade down the road.

Michell Gyrodec SE w/ Rega 300 tonearm

Nottingham SpaceDeck w/ Space tonearm

phono cartridge at this time would lean toward Dynavector Karat 17D2 MkII mated with the Dynavector P-75 phono amp with both table/arm combinations. If there is a reason this would not be recommended, please let me know as well.

I am leaning toward the Dynavector cartridge with their phono amp, as I have been informed it is a strong performance/price ratio. I would be looking for suggestions on cartridge upgrades down the road. At this point I am trying to determine which table & arm will give me the most performance for the price, as well as performance with upgraded cartridge down the road.

Thank you for your help.
audiofankj

Showing 3 responses by audiofankj

audiofankj OP
373 posts
 
Thank you to all who have responded. I have been making some inquiring phone calls to dealers that carry both lines and have almost been told unanimously the Nottingham Spacedek seems to be a bit more musical, as well as a bit more performance for the money.

Along with some phone calls, my cartridge and phono amp presumptions have changed as well. I would now be considering the following:

Nottingham Spacedek with Rega RB-700 arm with Shelter 501 cartridge coupled with the EAR834p phono amp.

The above arm combination was recommended over the Space arm as to have better compliance with the Shelter 501, and the next justifiable upgrade step to a Koetsu Black. Does this recommendation seem logical?

I am still considering the Gyro SE, so if anyone does have direct comparisons or advice, please do chime in.

Again, sincere thanks for everyones help and input.
audiofankj OP
373 posts
 
4yanx and others-

Thanks for all the advice. I was speaking with a dealer that recommended the RB700 arm over the Space arm to be used with the Shelter 501 and then perhaps the Koetsu Black down the road.

Is there some inclination on paper that the RB700 would be a better compliance match, or perhaps even yield a better sonic signature than the Space arm combo? I personally was leaning toward the Space arm with the Spacedeck thinking the synergy would be better.

Would you recommend any other tonearm in this price range (Space & RB700 arms) that would work well with the Space Deck and Shelter 501 cartridge?

From what I am hearing from both members as well as dealers (only inquired to dealers that sell both Michell & Nottingham) is that the Space Deck seems to be more "musical" than the Gyro SE is the phrase that keeps coming up. However, both are supposed to be excellent. Does this seem correct?

Thanks again for all the help!
audiofankj OP
373 posts
 
Again, thanks for all of the very helpful information! I was able to speak with the dealer I am working with about the Nottingham Space Deck - specifically about the Space arm vs. the RB700 arm. He did state the Space arm will work equally well with the Shelter cartridge. He was leaning me toward the RB700 arm due to upgradability down the road, as I had mentioned perhaps the Koestu Black as a possible "destination" after the Shelter. Apparently the Space arm may "limit" cartridge choices to Shelter's, Lyra's, Van den Hul's (all excellent choices as well) - however other cartridge lines such as the Koetsu's will require the compliance, etc. of the RB700. It was also pointed out both arms, the Space & RB700 are at similar price points, he was just suggesting to go with the arm that enables you for future upgrades without more hassle down the road. All in all, it seemed very logical, that is of course if the RB700 does perform as well as the Space arm with the Shelter until- and if there is an upgrade to a Koetsu down the road.
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