Seeking turntable upgrade advice


My current table is a Scoutmaster with JMW9 sig tonearm and all the typical VPI upgrades; my cartridge is a Dynavector XV-1s.

I have been considering an SME table (and possibly a SME V arm) but I like the concept of adjusting VTA on the fly. Between that and wanting to use a Mint tractor (I understand SME arms complicate the measurements required to get a Mint), I decided to get a Tri-planar arm instead.

So, what’s a good table to go with a Tri-planar and XV-1s? Would an SME still be a good candidate? What about an Amazon Reference? Anything else?

Thanks in advance.
madfloyd
I might be close minded here, but I'm not convinced that you can compare tables when they're in completely different rooms and systems. How much of the character of what you're hearing is the table versus other components including cartridge etc. I wouldn't be able to process all that.

I really like hearing and getting to know a component in my own system.

I took the plunge and purchased a TW Acustic. I'm confident that I'll be getting a good table and I should be satisfied given it'll be a serious upgrade from what I'm currently listening to. The bonus is that I'll have it very soon and have great dealer support.
Madfloyd said, "Having changed every component in the past 3 months (including cabling, power conditioning) it’s resolving to the point that I can finally hear differences in cables and......."

THEN HE SAID

"I might be close minded here, but I'm not convinced that you can compare tables when they're in completely different rooms and systems. How much of the character of what you're hearing is the table versus other components including cartridge etc. I wouldn't be able to process all that."

Isn't that what you just did at home?

My guess is that you could spend a million dollars on a turntable and you could not get it to sound good.

Bob
Good luck with the new table which one did you get. I know you will love turntable and HIGHWATER SOUND 5 STAR SERVICE AND ADVICE!! Again good luck be well .
Madfloyd, I ordered a Raven One from Jeff at Highwater Sound back in March. He's been very prompt with communication and anyone who has 28,000 LP's has my respect. Jeff was very helpful in making suggestions, and my Raven One will come with a 12 inch Ortofon arm and Dynavector 20X cartridge. At some point I will upgrade the arm and cartridge. The Turntable is shipping from the factory in Germany the first week in May, so probably I will have it the week after that, so the wait from ordering to when I will have it isnt bad at all. Like you I was weighing the pros and cons of Galibier, Well-Tempered,and others after having had a VPI. I guess for me, the final arbiter was what I've heard from owners,those in the forums, show coverage, and that I'm firmly in the musicality school rather than extraction of every last minute detail off the vinyl ( just my preference, nothing wrong with the detail or resolution crowd!). Good luck in your search! --Mrmitch
"My guess is that you could spend a million dollars on a turntable and you could not get it to sound good."

Not sure I understand you. It already sound very good and I am enjoying what I have. Now that I'm not being limited by other aspects of my system, I want to get something even better. What's wrong with that? Isn't that what we audiophiles do?

I've learned that just because something is reviewed well doesn't mean it's going to sound good in your room, with your equipment etc. I've also learned that changing more than 1 piece of equipment at a time is not the way to go. I don't see how listening to different turntables in different setups is going to tell me anything. The mere difference in loudspeakers will be enough to throw off any comparison. If you can get around that in your auditioning, then more power to you - I couldn't.

Ebm - I got a Raven One. I had already purchased a tonearm (Triplanar) which I'm very excited about.

Mrmitch: are you saying that the TW Acustic is known for being more musical than analytical?