Quote:
Originally Posted by cmalak
Stephen...I know this has been your dream table (as it should be...it looks and I am sure sounds gorgeous). But I was just wandering if you listened to modern tables in that $25K zip code just to compare the sound of an old Garrard (all be it completely rebuilt by Shindo) with a modern design. If you have just curious how you would describe the comparison. Congrats again Thx
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Cyril,
I took many trips to LA (and one to SF) to listen to other high end tables. I really wanted a 12" arm so there were only a couple of real contenders, for me. One, the Pro-ject Xtension w/12" Ortofon arm. (not in the same price range that wasn't a biggie for me) I had great hopes for this table but was never able to listen to one. I made a lot of calls to a lot of different dealers, Sumiko and on line distributers and never really got anywhere.
The other strong contender for me was the SME. As most here know, they are works of engineering art and are made to an unbelievable precision.
I listened to the 20/2 and the 30/2 (never did get to hear a 20/12) and was very impressed and could have easily lived with this table in my system for many years to come. These are wonderful tables and if I were ever to put together a "new" modern sound system, I think that I would want an SME 20/12 at the heart of it.
I also considered the TD-124 and also a couple of older EMT transcription tables.
For me, in the end, the sound of the Garrard 301 was the sound of pure music. I fell in love with it the first time I heard it. It compliments my system, my room and MOST IMPORTANTLY the type of music I listen to.
There are many great new tables being made today. I just happen to love that this 50 y/o record player is still able to bring such amazing music into my room.