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Ultimate Turntable search...OMA K5 or ?

As the title says, I’m on the hunt for a statement turntable. Don’t really post on the forum so forgive me if this has been discussed already. I’ve been told that whatsbest might be another place to post about this but I’ve been a seller on this site for many years, so I figured it was a good place to start.

I’m a longtime Caliburn owner but it’s time for a change. I would like to ditch the belt drive and vacuum. I know Fremer loves the OMA K3, but the K5 has got my attention. After owning many different speakers, a friend of mine turned me on to OMA. I ended up buying a pair of OMA mini’s about ten years ago and then quickly moved up to the AC-1. I’ve had a wonderful experience dealing with Jonathan and the company and love their aesthetic. With the AC-1s, my main system has reached a level of musicality and presence I never thought possible. I’ve recently come to the conclusion that upgrading my front end is my next big move. So I’ve been doing a ton of research on turntables in this class.

Although I’ve owned OMA speakers for years, I haven’t heard any of their new table designs. Sadly, I have not been to any shows or showrooms since covid. I do plan on visiting OMA sometime in the next few months, but for now, I’m interested if anybody has real life experience with the K3/K5 and if you have listening notes or opinions to share? Also curious to hear thoughts on competive turntables in this class. I have heard many high end tables in person, but definitely not all. Thanks!

mattdrummer
peterayer
1,382 posts
 

“I mean, not completely charmless like the congealed aluminium turd that is the american sound as2000,  but close.”

Everyone has an opinion.   I happen to find the AS2000 quite beautiful.   There is a very refined simplicity and purpose to the design.  It is indeed very heavy.  It is not made of aluminum but rather stainless steel.  Speed stability is superb and is a direct result of the 150 lbs platter and ultra low friction bearing (cushion of air).  There is minimum influence from the motor (same unit as in Air Force Zero), especially when using a thread to drive the platter.  It takes 30 minutes to free spin to rest from 33.333 RPM.  This stability results in a very natural sounding transient.    I agree with Raul that this is critical to a believable presentation at home.  

Fourteen AS2000s were made.   

 

lewm
13,027 posts
 

Never heard of AS2000. How long does it take a string drive to bring a 150 lb platter up to speed? I imagine one could have lunch in the interim.

peterayer
1,382 posts
 

You help the platter with your hand and it takes about 20 seconds.   You can keep it spinning for the rest of the day or four weeks it doesn’t matter.   There is no bearing wear.  

mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 

AS-2000 is the real deal. formidable turntable.

heard the AS-1000 myself, not the AS-2000, but almost bought the AS-2000. the AS-1000 was impressive to look at in person. personally I love the look for what that is worth.

dogberry
649 posts
 

As a user of a Log Fire for home heating, I can't recommend cutting up furniture coated with a finishing material to be used as Kindling.

That episode was nearly sixty years ago. The kindling was for an anthracite boiler that heated (poorly) the house and provided hot water.

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