Maybe @Inna is right and you should do some comparisons, though it is almost impossible to get these things in the same room, same system and control variables. So you’ll likely have to evaluate in a dealer setting, but at least you should be able to play with the turntable and get a ’feel’ for it. Or find a couple of owners who will let you do the same.
How much the table/arm contributes (or better, doesn’t contribute) to the overall sound is sometimes tough to figure out in a completely unknown setting in my estimation.
The big Kronos is quite nice, I haven’t played with the smaller one, can you use a different arm if you choose to?
As to Doehmann, the Minus K technology works- I use the big Minus K isolation platform under my XL with an HRS ’plinth’ between the turntable and the Minus K. You do have to isolate the XL or at least put it on a very stable surface that can handle the weight.
One other factor, which is difficult to predict (except with hindsight) is whether a product will be enduring and be a ’classic’--there are some exceptional vintage tables that are now sought after, decades after they were manufactured, and others that were at the top of the heap for a while and are now not as desirable even if still manufactured. I’m not suggesting that is the case for either the Kronos or Doehmann, but it’s worth recognizing -- even though there may be no way of predicting that. I’m talking less about value as an ’investment" (few of these things are such) but design, engineering, manufacturing quality and whether the company is enduring. Some folks love turntables like the Rockport or others, even older, like the EMT, that are no longer made. That would be a fascinating topic for discussion elsewhere- what makes a classic hi-fi product as opposed to an old curiosity? I wish I could tell you.
Good luck-- this ought to be fun, and turntables and arms at this level ought to introduce fewer artifacts into the sound, so you will have the pleasure of hearing more by hearing less (if that makes any sense).
Bill
