2. analog
  3. 172820-41852

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 earthtones

earthtones
104 posts
 

I think Soundsmith, for one, has been quite innovative with the Strain Gauge and the Hyperion, plus improvements like DEMS (Dynamic Energy Management System) across cartridge lines.

earthtones
104 posts
 

 "There is a lot of harmonic distortion at high frequencies with vinyl playback. This creates a high frequency haze that fills in between the instruments.This is very noticeable with high frequency percussion, cymbals, triangles and such."

This is not my experience generally. My analog setup is a heavily modified by me VPI Classic 4, SME 312S, Soundsmith Sussorro Mk 2 ES, Pass XP-27. Digital is from a PS Audio DirectStream DAC. Preamp is an ARC Ref6 SE. I find that the high frequency separation, finesse and especially transient attack is much better on vinyl. The timing on cymbal crashes is just not quite fast enough or realistic enough with digital in my experience.

I just got done comparing my Philips Classics Tchaikovsky 4th Symphony by RCO with Bernard Haitink on my DAC, transferred from my CD, to a sealed LP copy I just received of the same 1978 performance from Holland. Granted, this is a CD, not hi rez, but there is no comparison, in my setup, between the two. The LP trounces it across the board, except maybe for localization, which is interesting that you point that out. I feel that the superior tracking of my Sussurro works with my highly resolving XP-27 to flesh out the most minute of details that are simply not to be heard on even hi rez digital, again through my DAC. 

And this was just the high frequency angle. My LP in the case, as in most cases, is better throughout the frequency range. I can't listen to my digital seriously for more than about 5 minutes.

And yet I hate the inconsistency and hit or miss nature of vinyl. But just one excellent example, on Philips which there are many, I think, keeps me in the vinyl game.

More to discover