Opinions on Brinkmann Avance tt

having not heard the advance, i couldn't tell you if its worth the switch...i have heard (at length), the la grange, and didn't find it the equal of the dais.

Thanks. That is a very interesting observation. The Dais is virtually ignored when top level tt's are discussed on this and other forums, whereas the Lagrange is universally admired in my experience (until your post). Can you be more specific about the differences between the LaGrange and the Dais? Were you able to audition both tables in the same system with the same tonearm and cartridge?

the dais was much more dynamic, and quiet between cuts. heard both with comparible big brit boxes (harbeth 5/ spendor 100)

Then there was something wrong with the lagrange - it leaves even the top nottingham in the dust for dynamics - and every other deck I have heard too.

I've owned an Avance and now a Nottingham 294. They weren't in the exact same system (change of amp in between) so it's hard to compare for sure. Overall, the Avance is a more explosive, dynamic turntable, with better bass. It is built like nothing else. It is slightly more virile, although never agressive or forward. The Nott is more feminine, cajoling, without being warm. Just slightly more sensual. I can't find better words but do feel they convey my experience. You can't go wrong with either, they just have a slightly different sonic signature. For sheer muscle and wow factor, I'd go for the Brinkmann. For a more intimate relationship with the music, with the Nott. I would say the Nott is not as audiophile or as well built as the Brinkmann but has a bigger heart.
Of course, component matching might change that balance.
Hope that helped,
JB