Teres, Galibier and Redpoint


After a lot of research deciding whether I should upgrade the motor on my Avid Volvare or my cartridge I have now decided that upgrading my transport is the way to go. I don't have to worry about motor compatability problems and I can always upgrade my cartridge at a later date. Being that I nearly always prefer pursueing the small company, and that the unsuspended route seems right, the three shops above have really caught my interest.

The Teres 320 or 340, Galibier Gavia and Redpoint Model A all cost about the same. But the same problem arises, I don't have an opportunity to hear and compare them and unless it's on my system, it doesn't really matter. I in no way mean to insult Chris, Thom or Peter, but what seperates these three tables in term of sonics? I say this only because they are contributors to this forum. Anyone have any opinions?

My arm is a Tri-Planar VII. Phonostage a Thor. Art Audio SET amps. Systrum rack. Thanks for your input. Richard
richardmr

Showing 8 responses by dmailer

My motor pod does not have footers. I believe there are threaded holes that would allow you to attach a spike or footer if you choose.
I have an earlier version of the Redpoint Testa Rosa which I got when Thom and Peter were partners. I have recently upgraded to Galibier's newest platter which has brass and graphite rather than teflon. The brass and graphite is a huge improvement over the teflon topped platter which I had. IMHO much improved dynamics and clarity. As far as sound I doubt that you could go wrong with any on your list. I must say that I really like my Redpoint/Galibier and that Thom will go the extra mile to make sure things are right for you if you end up going with him.
I am using a Schroeder Reference with a ZYX Universe cartrdige. The sound with the teflon platter was very good and thought it would be difficult to improve much. The graphite top platter really seems to make a difference in attack and dynamics without suffering from some of the negatives that are sometimes associated with this type sound. It has a very musical quality with improved clarity. You should probably talk to Thom regarding any trade-up policy as I think it would vary based on the individual situation.
BTW, regarding the moveable armpod, I cannot really say if a moveable armpod sounds better or not. I do know that on my Redpoint there are set screws that allow you to position the armpod up against the base. Once it is aligned properly you can move the armpod, for example to dust, weigh your tracking force etc., you just move it back up against the base and it will be in the exact alignment as you had before. Keeping in alignment is really not an issue.
Yes, I am using the Anvil which seems to work very well. I am not much on the idea of using an outer ring clamp to me it seems like it could be a disaster waiting to happen.
The motor pod on my Redpoint/Galbier does not move during normal use. Mine is sitting on a flat surface without footers or spikes. It is fairly heavy so it does not move around unless of course you nudge up against it when cleaning etc.
Xagwell, I replaced my VPI several years back with my earlier version Redpoint/Galbier. Prior to the VPI I had an LP12. What I found when I switched to the Galbier is the background was much quieter and images were more solid. There was a huge improvement in dynamics both micro and macro. I listen to mostly jazz as well and feel the Galibier is far superior to my previous tables. I am not familiar with the Avid and Brinkman tables and can not comment on how they may compare.
I have the Schroeder reference with the Jacaranda arm. This arm has about 15 grams of effective mass vs the 18 grams that Thom has with the Ebony arm. I have the Universe with silver base weight and this combination works very well. The combination has great dynamics and attack as well as great tonal color. I am using on one of Thom's new graphite top platters and earlier Redpoint/Galibier tables. I suspect as Thom says I may be at the high point of what would be a good match for the cartridge but this match does work very well.