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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
dover
2,187 posts
 

@drbond

Great news - forget about the analog digital debate, it will wear you down. Just enjoy your superb system. And buy more records. 

drbond OP
396 posts
 

@dover 

Thanks for helping me through this musical discovery process.  Having had a Rega player since my fist audiophile days (first a P3, then a P8), I wasn't too enthusiastic about vinyl.  However, when my Rega Apheta 2 cartridge broke, and I replaced it with a Linn Krystal, I began to hear what analog was capable of. . . and, of course, then I broke my Linn Krystal cartridge, and that's part of the reason that it was time for an overall upgrade, and I have to say that while I really enjoyed the Rega P8, the Dohmann Helix One Mk 2 renders a much more musical and realistic presentation. 

Six months ago I had no idea about cartridge installation and alignment, but I used a SmarTractor UNIDIN point alignment to align the cartridges and adjust tonearm pivot to spindle distance.  I've got an AnalogMagik on order to further fine tune the adjustments of the cartridge.  The videos from that company have helped quite a bit.  

tobes's avatar
tobes
436 posts
 

I received a Dohmann Helix One Mk 2 last week, and got it set up with 2 Schroder CB 11 tonearms, one with a Koetsu Urushi Black and the other with a Lyra Atlas cartridge.  

The sonic improvement over the Rega P8 is unbelievable! 

As well it should be given the huge price difference.😉

That's an awesome turntable setup you have there - congrats.

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,492 posts
 

SME have also entered into the Market Place a New TT and Tonearm.

 

tobes's avatar
tobes
436 posts
 

I think SME has lost the styling plot with the model 60 looks kind of generic and boring - though no doubt precisely engineered. Looks wise the Dohmann Helix blows the SME away. 

Compared to the Helix One - the SME tech seems lacking too. Rubber bands vs a fully integrated MinusK vibration isolation system - Hmmm which would I rather have?

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