J.A. Mitchell TecnoDec vs. Clearaudio Emotion CMB

I have a similar system (Exposure 2010S, Stirling LS3/5A, Audience cables and power and a TecnoDec/RB250 special with Denon Dl-160 HOMC). I tried a Marantz table (made by ClearAudio) and it wasn't as quiet or musical as the Tecnodec in my opinion. The TecnoDec has a DC motor which is uncommon at that price which I think has a lot to do with it. Also, the self oiling bearing is a masterpiece of design. The table is beautifully machined and easy to setup and operate. Try it first w/o the incognito rewire. The incognito was very microphonic and subject to RFI for me. My system sounded better with the stock RB250 cable (yeah, I know it is cheap and flimsy looking but it works). I'd save the $300 and put it into something else in your system. I agree the TechnoArm would be a great upgrade, one that I'm considering myself. Hope this helps.

Thank you for the responses.

After reading this feedback, I have one final worry... Am I splitting hairs? I don't intend on tweaking too much, and I want to begin with a sub $500 cartridge. Perhaps I will eventually graduate to a Benz Micro, but I know I could never bring myself to spend more than $1,000 on a consumable.

I've heard that the Emotion CMB can sound somewhat 'lean', but will that negative attribute be readily apparent with a sub $500 cartridge? Or will those attributes only be audible with expensive low output MCs?

Provided the cartridge will limit the difference, the decision between the Emotion CMB and the TecnoDec then comes down to the following:
- CMB vs. DC Motor
- Satisfy Tonearm vs. Special RB250

Which do you think is the more sensible choice? I can get a mint demo TecnoDec for the same price as a new Emotion CMB. Unfortunately, I don't have the opportunity to audition either of them

Thanks again for the help.

A $500 cartridge should have no problem "resolving" the difference between tables. I graduated from the Benz L2 to the under $400 AT33PTG.

If it were me, I'd hold out for a Gyro.

It's 2017 now, what did you end up with?

A vote for the Michell. It takes a very good uni-pivot arm to do bass properly. You will get bass from the Michell.