Teres, Galibier and Redpoint

I am curious concerning this question of PRaT and mass-loaded tables. It seems that the low torque motor used on these 3 tables contributes to this "lack". This does sound feasible with a low torque motor when considering stylus drag. However, if the platter is anything over 20 lbs. I can't see how, given the inertia, that this could contribute to a loss in PRaT. Perhaps I'm not considering the right parameters.

Yeah this is a great thrtead and I hope I,m not too late to get some advice as well. I have been researchinmg what table to purchase after my LP-12. I listen to jazz 90%. I too will make a purchase to some extent influenced by the Agon community because it is difficult to audition tables. So far my research has drawn me to Avid, Brinkman, and Galibier. So can someone attempt to help me understand the sonics of these choices. I truly enjoyed my Linn sound, but I am now being drawn to a more neutral/open sound, I have Magies so they will reveal everything. I love the big soundstage with slam as well.
I am interested in the Tri-Planar/SME V arms. I also am curious about the Zyx/Shelter carts in this new system. P.S. My phono stage is an ARC-PH3, but the Rhea is being auditioned as I write this. Thoughts?

I truly enjoyed my Linn sound, but I am now being drawn to a more neutral/open sound, ....
I love the big soundstage with slam as well.

Xagwell,

It sounds like you want it all! ;-)

As between ZYX and Shelter, the ZYX lineup is more neutral and open. Neutrality and seamlessness are the first things everyone notices when they first hear one, and that impression does not fade with time. No colorations, no bloat, no artificial blooming of notes.

The ZYX soundstage has more depth, width and perceivable dimensions. ZYX's also image better than Shelters. This is partly due to their more modern stylus profile and partly due to the excellent channel separation of the coil windings.

OTOH, at comparable price points (901 vs. R100 Fuji, 90x vs. Airy 3) the Shelter cartridge will have more raw slam. The Shelter's leading edge transients will be more aggressive. Bass power goes to the Shelter, bass tunefulness and texture go to the ZYX.

OTOOH, if you can afford a UNIverse then the contest is over. Shelter does not make a cartridge that comes anywhere close, in any sonic parameter.

TriPlanar VII and SME V are both great arms. TriPlanar gives you the advantage of easy height adjustment, which many find critical with modern styli. SME gives you superb build and finish, and easier fine-tuning of VTF. Search for my thread called "TriPlanar Tips" if you want a sense of what living with that arm is like.

Good luck and happy hunting,
Doug

Xagwell, I replaced my VPI several years back with my earlier version Redpoint/Galbier. Prior to the VPI I had an LP12. What I found when I switched to the Galbier is the background was much quieter and images were more solid. There was a huge improvement in dynamics both micro and macro. I listen to mostly jazz as well and feel the Galibier is far superior to my previous tables. I am not familiar with the Avid and Brinkman tables and can not comment on how they may compare.

Dear Xagwell: Dmailer already answer ( first hand ) your question about sonics on TTs. All those TTs are very similar performers and maybe the choice will have to do with: which one like you more, manufacturer support, price, build quality, guarantee, it can accomodate 2-3 tonearms?, etc, etc. I like the Galibier all metal model.

About the cartridges this choice have to make along with the tonearm. Like Doug post the TP and SME are very good designs, I prefer the SME V and mate very well with the 90X, Sumiko Celebration, Dynavector XV-1 or Allaerts cartridges ( these ones are really special cartridges ). Btw, the Sumiko Celebration was voiced using the SME tonearm so it will be a great match with it. About the Shelter cartridges Doug post: +++++ " The Shelter's leading edge transients will be more aggressive ... " +++++, well in my experience this is a " real music " characteristic and a plus to have at home.

It is nice to " see " that you care too about the Phonopreamp. You have to go here too with almost " the best " one because the Phonopreamp is the most/critical/important subject in the quality music sound analog reproduction.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.