I just recently heard a SME 20 with a Koetsu Coralstone Platinum at a Sonus Faber Aida demonstration. I would agree with a dark perspective. I would certainly not suggest a "lifeless" sound maybe a shade polite. From what i've read the SME 10 could be a little bass shy. Never heard the Raven One but it wins the beauty contest. Avoid the vintage Thorens, nostalgia is best suited for a 2nd or 3rd system. By default or price/performance ratio the Avid Volvere SP gets my vote.
Turntable, but which one?
I have narrowed my search for a “new” turntable to these models:
- TW Acustic Raven one
- SME model 10
- Avid Diva II SP
- Avid Diva Volvere SP (old model)
- Thorens TD 124 (restored completely)
My tonearm is a SME 309 and the cartridge a Denon DL 103M (with sapphire cantilever and paratrac stylus) feeding a ARC PH5 riaa.
Which one would You go for and why ?
- TW Acustic Raven one
- SME model 10
- Avid Diva II SP
- Avid Diva Volvere SP (old model)
- Thorens TD 124 (restored completely)
My tonearm is a SME 309 and the cartridge a Denon DL 103M (with sapphire cantilever and paratrac stylus) feeding a ARC PH5 riaa.
Which one would You go for and why ?