Brinkmann Taurus w/12.1 tonearm
 

Have any AA members had any experience yet with the new Brinkmann Taurus turntable that was debuted in Munich late last year? I've been toying with the idea of upgrading my analog front end and have always had my eyes on the AMG Viella V12 which is a fine table, however, it has been out for quite awhile now. I didn't want to get up in price to the new Viella Forte since I'm going with a new cartridge as well.

I realize there are a multitude of options in this range, but honestly wanted to stick to a local dealer for setup/service/hands on in case I need it. The Brinkmann Taurus is supposed to be the best direct drive turntable they've ever made and the craftsmanship is superb. Ed (For the love of music) is a huge fan of Brinkmann (as he should be) and knows a couple of people who are thrilled with the new Taurus but since it's so new, there's not a ton of feedback on it.

Any forum members with any experience yet with the Taurus or another Brinkmann compared to the Viella V12, The Clearaudio Innovation wood etc???? It's a fine looking table as well although I prefer the look of the AMG and Clearaudio.


https://www.the-ear.net/sites/defaul...ann-taurus.jpg


https://www.brinkmann-audio.de/us/in.../tn/taurus.jpg


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pr...4QUSdrEqy7ddFw

AMG Viella V12:

https://ucarecdn.audiogon.com/b9e70d...lity/lightest/


https://6moons.com/audioreviews/amg/02.jpg

One other thing that has always had my attention to the AMG is that they are all OVER the demo rooms at audio shows. Many of these companies can use whatever they like, yet the AMGs are well represented IMO the most in its price range.

- Buck

No one with any input on Brinkmann tables or their other German counterpart??? Gotta be some Brinkmann owners here on AA.

- Buck

I have a Brinkmann Bardo paired with Lyra Etna and powered by optional tube power supply RöNT. The quality of the Brinkmann products are immaculate and the sound of the direct driven table really suits my set up. To my ears it brings a lot of PRAT. When adding the RöNT the whole presentation got additional weight and size.
The whole set up sits on two 20 pund stone slabs (Nero Assoluto). It all rests on 4 Sylodyne feet (cubes) with a size and stiffness adapted for the weight of the stones and TT. I actually tried 3 different levels of stiffness before settling on the one which brought the best music experience to my ears.
As the Brinkmann Turntables all have a firm connection to the ground (no suspension) playing around with different solutions/feet really pays off.
I have heard the AMG Viella in a number of set ups and really liked it. I believe it has a lot in common with Bardos strengths.
Looking forward hearing what you end up with.

Thanks for the feedback, decision is tougher due to the face that both tables will be roughly the same price unless I add the RoNT power supply. That would push the Taurus over the AMG with the turbo tonearm. Of course I can always add it later but I believe if you do it from the get go Brinkmann gives you credit for the standard power supply so it would make sense. My dealer has a Taurus on display so I need to go play with it, but like you said, no issue with the quality and craftsmanship, that's for sure.

- Buck

I think Brinkmann offers a custom HRS isolation base designed specifically for this turntable?

Both are beautiful TT/TA combos. Another DD TT/TA in that ball park would be the VPI HW-40 https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=44229 which has a few happy owners here. Choice of uni-pivot or gimbaled TA.
Personally, can't imagine ever going back to a BD TT.

I know there is the custom HRS base for the AMG which takes into account the weight distribution.....not sure for the Brinkmann. Of course one way or another, if not I’m sure the standard HRS base will work well.

- Buck

The Custom HRS base costs less from HRS, then from Brinkmann. I have supplied a few of them.