Turntable upgrade recommendations: SME vs AMG vs Technics vs other


I've recently upgraded most of my system, but I still have a Rega P8, with Linn Krystal cartridge, which I like, but I've heard that there may be better options.

I have Sound Lab electrostatic speakers, Ypsilon Hyperior amplifiers, an Ypsilon PST-100 Mk2 pre-amplifier, and am thinking about an Ypsilon phono stage to match with my system, and a turntable/cartridge.  I listen to almost entirely classical, acoustic music. 

Based on my very limited knowledge, and simple research, I've been looking at three brands, each of which is a different type of turntable: SME (suspension), AMG (mass), and Technics (direct drive).  
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of turntables, and of those in particular?

Thanks.   

drbond

Showing 2 responses by boothroyd

As a turntable guy, I could be happy with any of the three you’ve listed.

The weak link of the Technics is (as others have stated) their tonearms and record mats. These are areas of big gains, especially if using modern MC cartridges.

The AMG, while beautifully executed, will most likely require an HRS Platform or suitable isolation to perform its best. Solely mass damped & rigidly coupled.

The SME are truly finished products requiring no additional updates or tweaks. Most recently even the tonearm signal cables have been upgraded to Crystal Cable which is electrically wired correctly for all preamps including the recent trend of transimpedance. Their tonearms are sublime. The suspended models from the M15 up even have captive tungsten bearings installed in their footers should any type of boutique platform be utilized they can be revealed.

High performance turntables can be thought of as race cars in that they will only perform at their potential when properly set up. Most qualified installers (without a sell agenda) will be happy to set up any new SME due to a lack of potential surprises other than the sound of the finished product.

SME (suspension), AMG (mass), and Technics (direct drive).
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of turntables, and of those in particular?

Aside from listening, which is most important, Paul Miller’s lab results from HiFi News & Record Review’s summary of SME’s newest Model 60 say a lot.

It comes up Aces in terms of pitch stability (“the most pitch-stable belt-driven deck we have tested”) with bearing performance from platter and tonearm that push the limits of measurement along with a new tonearm tube that is the subject of another thread of “What Does It Take To Surpass A SME V?” that PM describes as, “The freedom from more complex resonances, and general clutter, is quite remarkable”

https://www.hifinews.com/content/sme-model-60series-va-turntable-lab-report

It’s an amazing achievement.