Kronos Vs CSPort vs SME turntables

[orenatt]

Hi,

I want to add turntable to my system, I checked few options and I have 4 competitors, please let me know which option is better from your experience.

1. Kronos Sparta
2. SME synergy Diamond Series (with nagra phono stage)
3. CSPort TAT1M2
4. CSPort TAT2M2

For the phono stage, the CH Precision P1 is my favorite (I have CH preamp and amplifier in my setup so it’s perfect match).

 

[dcc]

I know 3 of them very well: the Kronos Sparta and the two CSPort. I myself own a TAT1M2

They are not in the same league and not the same budget.

The Kronos and the SME are coming as a package with their respective tonearm which might be their weakest link. The SME Synergy comes with a SME IV tonearm which is not a top dog. I own a SME V and it is the least performing among my 4 tonearms.

One of my best audiophile buddies owns the Kronos Sparta (he has several TTs) and a comparative auditioning against his other TTs among others Garrard 301, Sony PSX9 and EMT 930 puts the Kronos in the last position.

If budget allows and should you wish to get your ultimate turntable, the TAT1M2 is the way to go. You can start with one tonearm and add one later.

 

[orenatt]

Kronos and CSPort in the same league, it’s very strange your bad experience with their tonearms.
you can add to the short list the TechDas, Vyger companies.

 

[djsina2]

I have the TAT2M2 and used the TechDAS AF5 before that. Doing direct comparisons with same arm, cartridge, cables the CSPort was much better. The AF5 is a fine table but not in the same league as the CSPort.

 

[bonzo75]

Hi,

I want to add turntable to my system, I checked few options and I have 4 competitors, please let me know which option is better from your experience.

1. Kronos Sparta
2. SME synergy Diamond Series (with nagra phono stage)
3. CSPort TAT1M2
4. CSPort TAT2M2

For the phono stage, the CH Precision P1 is my favorite (I have CH preamp and amplifier in my setup so it’s perfect match).

I don’t understand how you came to this shortlist for your first turntable. What are these 4 tables based on? The only thing in common seems to be they have their own arm, in which case why not add Kuzma Stabi M?

If you have shortlisted the CH phono based on your existing CH electronics, what cartridges are you thinking of? I assume your existing CH set up is based on digital playback.

What type of music and records are you planning to listen to?

 

[Ron Resnick]

I have the TAT2M2 and used the TechDAS AF5 before that. Doing direct comparisons with same arm, cartridge, cables the CSPort was much better.

Better in what ways, exactly?

 

[djsina2]

Better in what ways, exactly?

Every way. There’s nothing the TechDAS did better. Most notably the CSPort has better bass definition and is more alive sounding. The TechDAS is more closed in with less space around the players. I think most people who get TechDAS feel the vacuum is a big plus but I had better results not using it on the record. Instead I used a 10mm thick carbon mat and this helped the issues noted above.

These days I guess the TAT2M2 falls in between the AF5P and AF3P price wise but performance is closer to AF3P. I believe someone on WBF compared the two and preferred the CSPort.

 

[orenatt]

I don’t understand how you came to this shortlist for your first turntable. What are these 4 tables based on? The only thing in common seems to be they have their own arm, in which case why not add Kuzma Stabi M?

If you have shortlisted the CH phono based on your existing CH electronics, what cartridges are you thinking of? I assume your existing CH set up is based on digital playback.

What type of music and records are you planning to listen to?

 

[orenatt]

There are a lot of High End brands, except SME , I listen to kronos and CSport with my electronics and loudspeakers so this the main reason that I put them im my short list.

 

[orenatt]

And Yes, my CH & Wadax combo based on digital playback.
I want to build analog setup in the same league, performance and quality.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Every way. There’s nothing the TechDAS did better. Most notably the CSPort has better bass definition and is more alive sounding. The TechDAS is more closed in with less space around the players. I think most people who get TechDAS feel the vacuum is a big plus but I had better results not using it on the record. Instead I used a 10mm thick carbon mat and this helped the issues noted above.

These days I guess the TAT2M2 falls in between the AF5P and AF3P price wise but performance is closer to AF3P. I believe someone on WBF compared the two and preferred the CSPort.

Thank you!

Happy New Year!

 

[PeterA]

If you are new to turntables, I would consider buying a used vintage Denon for $500-$1000 on Ebay with a decent cartridge. Get to understand vinyl playback, what it does, and why, and if you even like it compared to your digital WADAX. The Denon is surprisingly good for very little money. If you like it, identify its properties, and then go out with a reference in mind to find what you think is a good modern turntable meeting audiophile criteria, and spend some money if you can find better. You will pay much more. Vinyl is not for everyone. Turntables sound different. You can spin your wheels for years until you arrive at something special. Or never. Only you can be the judge and decision maker. My advice is to start very cheap but good quality. Then learn and then buy if you can find better than one of the Denons.

 

[orenatt]

I did not decide yet which turntable I will choose but also, I’m searching for a tube phono stage, any recommendations? something that in same league of CH Precision P1

 

[bonzo75]

I did not decide yet which turntable I will choose but also, I’m searching for a tube phono stage, any recommendations? something that in same league of CH Precision P1

Try Allnic. Minimum H7000, or any models above. If you get H7000 you need to swap the rectifier

 

[bonzo75]

You will also be surprised how good the Ear 834p phono stage that comes at 1 - 2k used additionally rolled with Telefunken and/or Mullard tubes sounds compared to many uber priced phonos.

 

[bonzo75]

I have the TAT2M2 and used the TechDAS AF5 before that. Doing direct comparisons with same arm, cartridge, cables the CSPort was much better. The AF5 is a fine table but not in the same league as the CSPort.

So you used the same pivot on the AF5 and the CS, and not comparing the LT of CS to a pivot on the AF5?

 

[orenatt]

Try Allnic. Minimum H7000, or any models above. If you get H7000 you need to swap the rectifier

Allnic is great company and in my list, also - Audio Research

 

[AudioAbe]

Allnic is great company and in my list, also - Audio Research

I would also recommend Allnic. I have the the DHT8000 and it is exceptional. I changed all my amps last year from ARC to Kondo (pre & power) and Allnic phono. It has been relevatory.
The new flagship phono (H10,000) is being sold at a very good price by a distributor here: https://www.audio-markt.de/en/marke...-otl-ocl-phono-stage-pre-amplifier-4209319387

 

[orenatt]

Thanks, I will put them in the top of my list if I will choose to buy phono stage based on tube and not solid state like the CH P1.

 

[Zeotrope]

I did not decide yet which turntable I will choose but also, I’m searching for a tube phono stage, any recommendations? something that in same league of CH Precision P1

The Nagra HD Phono is in the same league as CH’s best. CH offers more adjustments to suit a wide variety of cartridges. Nagra is probably more musical; but I have not heard the CH.

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