Brinkmann Taurus,,,, Bardo

[Robnpg]

Hey folks! I am an admitted gear head there is nothing “wrong” with my VPI Signature 21 with Fatboy arm. Looking for something different and the Brinkmann direct drives caught my eye. No local dealers to A/B VPI to which is fine. But my question to you all is your thoughts on the Bardo vs Taurus. Taurus has the edge on aesthetics but wondering if anyone else has the opportunity to comp the two.

 

[exupgh12]

When it comes to sound the biggest difference is that Taurus has a deeper, more profound than the Bardo.
Regarding build, they both use the same platter. the Taurus has a heavier chassis (that helps to produce the more profound lower octave).

 

[morricab]

I have a Bardo and really like it a lot. I am not sure about the differences between Taurus and Bardo sonically, but they have the same platter, bearing and motor. The Taurus has a larger chassis and can accommodate more arms I think. As to the profundity of the bass...I can only say that Bardo is definitely not lacking in this regard.

 

[exupgh12]

I have a Bardo and really like it a lot. I am not sure about the differences between Taurus and Bardo sonically, but they have the same platter, bearing and motor. The Taurus has a larger chassis and can accommodate more arms I think. As to the profundity of the bass...I can only say that Bardo is definitely not lacking in this regard.

I used Bardo for almost two years before switching to Balance.

Bardo is a great introduction to the world of Brinkmann, but compared to Taurus or Balance, it lacks the authoritative and articulate low-end that those two offer.

 

[defride]

I've not compared but assume my Oasis and Bardot are similar at least. Brinkmann themselves suggested when I spoke to them that Taurus is a small step up as described in earlier posts. That said they felt a Ront takes an Oasis beyond Taurus with standard power supply so budget for the power supply whichever way you go

 

[Robnpg]

Great posts folks. I was trying to decide if I was going to make a change from my VPI this year but if see one of my other posts, I just picked up a Boulder 1160 (used market) which is sort of changing my plans a bit I will readdress this probably next year.
I'm thinking the Taurus is what I'm looking for more aesthetic wise, but we'll see. Heck, there's always the balance too

 

[ravenacustic]

Very recently I attended a club meeting with an all PBN, ALL, system in a beautiful home here in San Diego. Peter Noerbeck was present. The source was what I believe was his top TT. It was a reworked Denon dropped into his custom plinth. Beautiful looking and sounding. Simply mouth watering.

 

[Bling23]

I've not compared but assume my Oasis and Bardot are similar at least. Brinkmann themselves suggested when I spoke to them that Taurus is a small step up as described in earlier posts. That said they felt a Ront takes an Oasis beyond Taurus with standard power supply so budget for the power supply whichever way you go

I presume a Bardo with ront would be better than a Taurus with standard supply, the oasis certainly looks the nicest of the lot in my opinion are you happy with yours im coming from an Audio Note TT3 belt drive and really leaning toward the Brinkmann , thanks

 

[Bling23]

I used Bardo for almost two years before switching to Balance.

Bardo is a great introduction to the world of Brinkmann, but compared to Taurus or Balance, it lacks the authoritative and articulate low-end that those two offer.

Is there much between the Taurus and balance as they are totally different drives , I was looking at the bardo as a change from my Audio Note TT3 belt drive but after reading you experience maybe I should try to get to the Taurus. Do you use the root and the platform and could you tell me what you think of both, thanks

 

[defride]

I presume a Bardo with ront would be better than a Taurus with standard supply, the oasis certainly looks the nicest of the lot in my opinion are you happy with yours im coming from an Audio Note TT3 belt drive and really leaning toward the Brinkmann , thanks

Yes, still happy with my Oasis.

I’ve always struggled with AN TTs. A friend has a TT2 and it’s always been lacking, tends to the lean. It was set up for him by AN into AN Phono but nothing really worked. He’d got to the point he was planning on selling his record collection preferring his AN DAC. I’ve tended to feel the same way toward TT3 when I’ve heard it at shows. Funnily enough I was around listening to that same TT2 today. He’s cracked it - a granite worktop off cut and carbon feet under and it’s transformed. First time I’ve heard his analogue sound as it should. Goes to show a little experimentation with set up can be very worthwhile. Vinyl sale now on hold… It was the same with my Oasis, I was disappointed initially, finding the right interconnects and support were crucial. As compared my analogue setup is more resolving than his as one would hope given the price difference. Couldn’t say how a TT3 might compare. Have fun choosing!

 

[Bling23]

Yes, still happy with my Oasis.

I’ve always struggled with AN TTs. A friend has a TT2 and it’s always been lacking, tends to the lean. It was set up for him by AN into AN Phono but nothing really worked. He’d got to the point he was planning on selling his record collection preferring his AN DAC. I’ve tended to feel the same way toward TT3 when I’ve heard it at shows. Funnily enough I was around listening to that same TT2 today. He’s cracked it - a granite worktop off cut and carbon feet under and it’s transformed. First time I’ve heard his analogue sound as it should. Goes to show a little experimentation with set up can be very worthwhile. Vinyl sale now on hold… It was the same with my Oasis, I was disappointed initially, finding the right interconnects and support were crucial. As compared my analogue setup is more resolving than his as one would hope given the price difference. Couldn’t say how a TT3 might compare. Have fun choosing!

Yes the TT3 is a little polite for my liking , having said that I only used with IQ3 so there would be more to give with Io and SUT I’d imagine. Yes I’ve read the Brinkmann needs a platform to sound good and better supply perhaps. It’s all money …

 

[Birdwatcher]

I used Bardo for almost two years before switching to Balance.

Bardo is a great introduction to the world of Brinkmann, but compared to Taurus or Balance, it lacks the authoritative and articulate low-end that those two offer.

Was the Taurus no option for you? But instead you went with the Balance.
Could you compare Taurus to Balance? Different drive type, same base, much bigger platter with the Balance. And sonically?

Do you use a RÖNT? And what kind of base, maybe HRS?

 

[exupgh12]

Was the Taurus no option for you? But instead you went with the Balance.
Could you compare Taurus to Balance? Different drive type, same base, much bigger platter with the Balance. And sonically?

Do you use a RÖNT? And what kind of base, maybe HRS?

Hi,

Yes, I could have chosen the Taurus, which was released before I bought my Balance. However, since I could reach for the top of the Brinkmann line, I went with the Balance. After hearing the Oasis, Bardo, Balance, and later the Taurus, I believe I made the right choice for my ears.

I’ve had the RöNt II since my Bardo days, and when I upgraded to the Balance, I also added the HRS base, which I must say is essential for getting the best out of the Balance.

 

[Birdwatcher]

Please let me allow to ask once again, what are the sonic differences between Balance and Taurus, and could you (or anybody else) hear it yourself with similar tonearms and cartridges? Such direct and correct made a/b comparisons are really rare, unfortunately.

 

[exupgh12]

Please let me allow to ask once again, what are the sonic differences between Balance and Taurus, and could you (or anybody else) hear it yourself with similar tonearms and cartridges? Such direct and correct made a/b comparisons are really rare, unfortunately.

The difference between the Balance and Taurus is that the Balance sounds more authoritative and refined (can I say natural?) from top to bottom, while the Taurus is a bit more dynamic and punchy.

All listening tests were done at a friend's home and a dealer, using Brinkmann Edison and Einstein phono stages, Luxman 900 and 10X series electronics, with cartridges from Miyajima, Nagaoka, and Luxman.