In early December, I asked DDK (David Karmeli) if he could find a specific turntable for me. He said yes and the search began. About a month ago, the table was found and we discussed details. Two weeks ago it landed in Utah and I decided to pay him a visit. I wanted to hear the table for myself, inspect it to confirm the condition, and finalize the purchase. (In hindsight, this was all unnecessary as I quickly confirmed that David is a man of his word.) I also thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to meet the gentleman who has helped and guided me with my system set up for over a year now. I ended up staying for a week. It has turned out to be the most revelatory audio experience I have had.
I am not at the same system level as most of his customers, having both a lower budget and the need to make slow and deliberate decisions about purchases. However, I am equally passionate about the hobby and wanting to hear my beloved music in the most enjoyable way possible within my limitations. What I heard in Utah confirmed a long suspicion I had been forming. I heard four different systems there, each sounding completely natural, yet slightly different. I learned why and this became the key to my understand of what "natural sound" is and how it can be achieved. I thought of my own system as being on the "natural sound" side of the spectrum, but I had to hear this for myself. I also wanted to get to know David better. He was already becoming a friend and might perhaps become the dealer with whom I would develop my system further.
Upon returning home, I listened to my system, and then redid the cartridge set up following tips David had taught me in Utah. I listened again to the same LPs I had brought and listened to at his house. This confirmed for me that I am already on the path of "natural sound". It is now simply a matter of deciding how far I want to go in the direction of his superb systems. I will know more once my new table arrives in a couple of weeks.
Here is a photo of my new Micro Seiki SX8000II in David's smaller listening room. I also bought two NOS SME 3012R tonearms to go along with this table. The table is in mint, almost "AS NEW" condition. David and I took apart the air bearing and I was able to understand the incredible level to which this table is designed and made. I listened for hours and confirmed the decision to buy it. David is everything people say about him. He is extremely thorough, knowledgable, and generous. He has his strong opinions, but I respect that and discovered on what they are based. He only deals in top quality items and operates only in the best interest of his clients. It is a rare and valuable thing.
I will be writing more about this week long experience in a dedicated thread. I will also contribute to the "Beyond turntables" thread once I have learned more about this table in my own system.
David is a real asset to this forum and to the hobby. People from around the world contacted him while I was there for set up and equipment advice. I am truly astonished. I have not learned more about audio and sound from anyone. Thank you so much, David.
1. DDK setting up the table
2. The Micro Seiki SX 8000 II
3. The contraband: 2 NOS SME 3012R arms (with cardboard box of 12 LPs I brought)
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