SME or Brinkmann your thoughts!

Hi guys I am thinking of replacing my old Gyro, I have heard good things about the SME 30 and the Brinkmann , I hope to hear both within the next few weeks, any thoughts should I be looking elsewhere, any advice would be appreciated,Keith.

 

Also consider the Kuzma XL.

 

Hope it sounds better than it looks

Murray thanks ofr the recommendation , I had a look at the Kuzma site, they are not the prettiest turntables are they! The XL looks like a coffee machine , also they are distributed by Audiofreaks and the dreaded Branco!

 

Never mind Branco. Franc Kuzma is a lovely guy and you could actually compare it with the SME at Definitive Nott'm dealing with Kevin Scott. The other TT I forgot would be the Verdier.

However, if I had that sort of money spare I'd also be considering a Technics SP10 Mk3 and having a substantial plinth made for it. I suspect it might see off all of them! You could still fit an SMEV (with nice wire) or an Airline (if LT was your thang) and still have enough left for a decent cartridge and transformer. Just my 2p!

 

The Verdier is good.

In the past I have owned and used the neuvo platine and the Platine Verdier with Breur arm. great combination.

I have however taken in 2 SME 30 TT's in PX for SPJ turntables a couple of years ago. They were much nicer and looked nicer in a bling sort of way.

 

I wouldn't bother auditioning - just go for an SME 30 with an SME V.

How can you go wrong?!

 

You mean apart from the fact that it mings a bit.

 

Mings a bit!

You don't often see that expression in audio reviews! I haven't heard the SME yet but it seems a little like the old 'IT 'expression,'no-one ever got fired for buying IBM' safe but unadventurous, on a completely different subject has anyone experienced the ASR Emitter amps, thanks in advance,Keith.

 

I demonstrated the ASR amps at the Heathrow show in September and in April.

Very good. Very heavy and don't switch them off! they sound awful for at least a couple of hour when you first switch them on. I always leave them switched on. They have power saving modes so as ASR can get a grant from the German government. Don't Dem one cold!

 

The SME is unfashionable with some because its not 'interesting' quirky or exotic enough. This is cobblers. Its a fine sounding record player and worthy of the most serious scrutiny. Try to hear one fitted with an SMEV with some decent wire in it though not the godawful (imho) vdH stuff fitted as standard.

 

SMEV with LFD scorpion cable. very very very good.

 

Can you specify arm cables when your order from SME, I know they have been fitting the VDH cable for at least twenty years!

 

My arm is wired inside & out with the Kondo Silver cable. I obtained & supplied it. I believe Definitive Audio also supply it & buy them from SME like that aswell.

 

Hi Coops

if you're going to spend that sort of money i'd seriously consider looking at the Avid range, his volvere and sequel have been revamped and there is a new reference power supply as well.


cheers philip

 

I haven't heard the SME but I certainly liked the Brinkmann a lot when I heard it at Lord Browntrouser's stately home

 

Well, there we are: the Brinkmann it is. Which arm, though? I think the Brinkmann is probably the best.

 

Lord Browntrousers stately pile

I would like to hear the Brinkman ,is Sir Browntrousers home open to the public? Keith.

 

Get the Brinkmann. Good choice.

 

Brinkmann cartridge too?

 

Emt

I have been using a modified EMT for the last twenty years, it has been returned to VDH a couple of times for a new cantilever and re-tipping, still sounds pretty good though, Transfiguration are mean't to be ok aren't they?