advice sought, turntables $10-20k

bonzo75

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If you are looking for something very analytical and wants every single bit of information extracted from the vinyl, then it may not be the best TT setup for you. Just my impression and may not be 100% correct. But I do like them, a lot.

This does not make sense. If you extract more information from the vinyl you get a more musical sound, not exactly what the word analytical (the way it is usually used in hifi) connotes.
 

bonzo75

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lscangus

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This does not make sense. If you extract more information from the vinyl you get a more musical sound, not exactly what the word analytical (the way it is usually used in hifi) connotes.
Agree. If the definition of "musical" is what you have stated. Thats why I also mentioned "easy to listen to" and "forgiving" are also my own personal objective impressions, and these may be better words.
 

bonzo75

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Agree. If the definition of "musical" is what you have stated. Thats why I also mentioned "easy to listen to" and "forgiving" are also my own personal objective impressions, and these may be better words.

I don't see why more information from vinyl is not easy to listen to. Whether analog is easy or difficult to listen to is not dependent on whether more information is available from the vinyl.
 

lscangus

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I don't see why more information from vinyl is not easy to listen to. Whether analog is easy or difficult to listen to is not dependent on whether more information is available from the vinyl.
Agree as well.
 

SONDEKNZ

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Mar 2, 2021
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Yeah, funny about the Linn not being repped too often on here. I confess that I'm a little leery of suspended TTs generally. Also, don't know much about the various Linn arms. Would probably prefer to be able to choose whatever arm I like. And already have the CB-1L and the 4 Point 14.

Thanks for the reminder about the LP12 though!

Pimped LP12 spinner here.

LP12 detractors are fully justified in criticisms of “the old fruitbox” in its original suspended format... Bouncy platter, stretchy belt-drive and all that.

That is to say that speed stability - and flutter - remains a BIG issue with stock LP12 decks of all iterations.

The LP12 finally fills its potential when the original springs and grommets are discarded and AUDIOSILENTE SILICONE MUSHROOMS are inserted to provide a “barely suspended” environment.

Even if you are a dyed-in-the-wool, one-eyed, flat-Earth Linnie, you owe it to yourself to hear what the LP12 is actually capable of - SANS SPRINGS!

You will be truly shocked - and all smiles... promise! ;)
 
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No Regrets

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I think I posted earlier saying what an incredible time to be buying a vinyl rig in this or any price range! Love the cosmetics of the Vertere and Tourjan knows what he is doing. That said, I keep coming back to the idea that a Kuzma R with a 4Point is impossible to beat! I did not know Kuzma offers an outer ring. Nice....
I heard the Kuzma R at Axpona this year near Chicago and came away very impressed. This R was wrapped in a Walnut Plinth and only supported one arm.

I'm curious if anyone has compared the Wooden Plinth R vs the non-wood plinth and if they could notice any sound differences?
I liked the look of the wood and I don't feel the need to have two arms for myself.

Best wishes,
Don
 
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shakti

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I heard the Kuzma R at Axpona this year near Chicago and came away very impressed. This R was wrapped in a Walnut Plinth and only supported one arm.

I'm curious if anyone has compared the Wooden Plinth R vs the non-wood plinth and if they could notice any sound differences?
I liked the look of the wood and I don't feel the need to have two arms for myself.

Best wishes,
Don
I had the two different Kuzma R turntables side by side and preferred the wooden version in some aspects. The differences might find the reason in the higher total wight the additional damping of the wood and finally as well, that the tonearm gets fitted to a the wooden plinth instead of a metal wing.

Here are some pictures to show, that you can fit even on the wooden plinth more than one tonearm.

IMG_7263.jpg IMG_7261.jpg

In comparison my Kuzma R right wing with two tonearms:

IMG_7096.jpg
 

Johan K

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I had the two different Kuzma R turntables side by side and preferred the wooden version in some aspects. The differences might find the reason in the higher total wight the additional damping of the wood and finally as well, that the tonearm gets fitted to a the wooden plinth instead of a metal wing.

Here are some pictures to show, that you can fit even on the wooden plinth more than one tonearm.

View attachment 112368 View attachment 112367

In comparison my Kuzma R right wing with two tonearms:

View attachment 112369
Shakti,

Is that a Mathmos Space Projector I see in the background… hahaha… cool.. very cool indeed? :D !

Nice pics of the turntables too;).

/ Jk
 
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shakti

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Shakti,

Is that a Mathmos Space Projector I see in the background… hahaha… cool.. very cool indeed? :D !

Nice pics of the turntables too;).

/ Jk
indeed, well spotted, the legendary Mathmos space projector
 
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No Regrets

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I had the two different Kuzma R turntables side by side and preferred the wooden version in some aspects. The differences might find the reason in the higher total wight the additional damping of the wood and finally as well, that the tonearm gets fitted to a the wooden plinth instead of a metal wing.

Here are some pictures to show, that you can fit even on the wooden plinth more than one tonearm.

View attachment 112368 View attachment 112367

In comparison my Kuzma R right wing with two tonearms:

View attachment 112369
Hello Shakti,

Thank you for your reply as well as sharing your photos! I really love the look of the wood plinth and it's nice to know that if I would ever feel the need to have a second arm... that it is possible to have it.

Looking at your signature, it appears that you have a lot of experience with many premium turntables! I'm curious, how do you feel the wooden R compares with the many other tables that you have or may have had? Feel free to share via a PM if that would be more comfortable to you... also I don't want to be a distraction to this particular thread.... although others may find your thoughts to be very useful :)

Thank you and best wishes to all,
Don
 

shakti

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Hello Shakti,

Thank you for your reply as well as sharing your photos! I really love the look of the wood plinth and it's nice to know that if I would ever feel the need to have a second arm... that it is possible to have it.

Looking at your signature, it appears that you have a lot of experience with many premium turntables! I'm curious, how do you feel the wooden R compares with the many other tables that you have or may have had? Feel free to share via a PM if that would be more comfortable to you... also I don't want to be a distraction to this particular thread.... although others may find your thoughts to be very useful :)

Thank you and best wishes to all,
Don
The Kuzma R is a fine table for the price!

many perform less, only a few similar good for that price.

I made a direct comparison (as example) with STST Motus II and both tables are in the same league, but different tonal flavor.

The Stabi R has more substance and more energy from the bass / mid bass.
The STST is more neutral over the complete spectrum.

Combining the Stabi R with a neutral / dynamic Tonearm gives a fine synergy . I like Kuzma 4point 9" on Stabi R.
 
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No Regrets

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The Kuzma R is a fine table for the price!

many perform less, only a few similar good for that price.

I made a direct comparison (as example) with STST Motus II and both tables are in the same league, but different ton tonal flavor.

The Stabi R has more substance and more energy from the bass / mid bass.
The STST is more neutral over the complete spectrum.

Combining the Stabi R with a neutral / dynamic Tonearm gives a fine synergy . I like Kuzma 4point 9" on Stabi R.
Thank you, Shakti for your reply! I truly appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences with me and the other members here :)
Best wishes,
Don
 

bazelio

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+1 for the Stabi R. Having now heard it several times in different systems, I've always come away impressed. Twice, I've heard it with the top of the line Dynavector cartridge, and thought it was an excellent combination. For price and the flexibility (multiple arms), I don't see it having much competition.
 

gleeds

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Sorry, no experience with the Motus but it looks like a well -executed design in the German manner. I would say if you have your eyes set on an arm different then the 4-Point then its a strong consideration.

On the "R", I'm not sure if the walnut base adds anything to the performance, however knowing how Frank Kuzma designs every last detail of their tables , if not additive it won't hurt. Personally I love the old school look and quality of the wood base cosmetically. The 4-Point arm is simply unbeatable IMO, and perfectly suited to the Stabi R. You rarely see them on the used market which besides the positive comments on WBF there are quite a few in curculation which is telling. Good luck!
 

Barry2013

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Sorry, no experience with the Motus but it looks like a well -executed design in the German manner. I would say if you have your eyes set on an arm different then the 4-Point then its a strong consideration.

On the "R", I'm not sure if the walnut base adds anything to the performance, however knowing how Frank Kuzma designs every last detail of their tables , if not additive it won't hurt. Personally I love the old school look and quality of the wood base cosmetically. The 4-Point arm is simply unbeatable IMO, and perfectly suited to the Stabi R. You rarely see them on the used market which besides the positive comments on WBF there are quite a few in curculation which is telling. Good luck!
There is a pretty wide range to choose from as evidenced by the responses.
One brand that has not been mentioned is J Sikora from Poland and it really is worth checking out before you decide.
The Standard Line Reference with the 12" carbon fibre KV1200 tonearm is near the top of your price range but tremendous value and very well built
 

shakti

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gleeds

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Love the Safir arm! A working mans SAT:)

I think the message here is our hobby has a bountiful array of turntables and arms to choose from offering fantastic performance and long-term durability and value.
- TW Acustic
- Kuzma
-Design Build Listen "The Wand"
- AMG
- Brinkman
- Acoustic Signature
- Vertere
- Motus .......to name just a few.

It's a great time to upgrade your current set-up or jump into vinyl!
 

SONDEKNZ

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Mar 2, 2021
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The Kuzma R is a fine table for the price!

many perform less, only a few similar good for that price.

I made a direct comparison (as example) with STST Motus II and both tables are in the same league, but different tonal flavor.

The Stabi R has more substance and more energy from the bass / mid bass.
The STST is more neutral over the complete spectrum.

Combining the Stabi R with a neutral / dynamic Tonearm gives a fine synergy . I like Kuzma 4point 9" on Stabi R.

Great intel! Appreciated. :cool:
 

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