Juggling LP12/SL150 and SME3009/SyrinxPU3

[kirstysdad]

I have spent the past year juggling my marital and hifi status...

But in between i have been listening to the combinations of above with a decent MM Goldring cartridge.

Going between the four I can't tell which I prefer, which just goes to prove that money doesn't predict...

Techie is faster and more exciting, LP12 is much more seductive.

The SME is elegant/flawed but the PU3 is, err, cooler, more accurate.

Both suit the LP12. PU3 and Techie?

I have to sacrifice something as needs must. What would you partner and why?

[mayebaza]

For me everything starts and finishes with musicality. IMHO accuracy usually becomes monotonous and boring.

[Jac Hawk]

For me everything starts and finishes with musicality. IMHO accuracy usually becomes monotonous and boring.

I’d agree with Baza, pin point accuracy and clinical presentation a lot of times remove the bounce and emotion as well, give me flawed musicality every day

[Beobloke]

Easy - SL150 and PU3 every time.

To me, calling something “musical” is just a shorter way of saying “it’s not very good but I still like it”. In my experience, the ‘not very good’ bit soon becomes more and more dominant and distracting.

[walpurgis]

Easy - SL150 and PU3 every time.

That would also be my choice.

[Jac Hawk]

Easy - SL150 and PU3 every time.

To me, calling something “musical” is just a shorter way of saying “it’s not very good but I still like it”. In my experience, the ‘not very good’ bit soon becomes more and more dominant and distracting.

i'd disagree, all equipment has an effect on the music to a greater or lesser extent, musicality is a term that in my opinion can't easily be defined, but certainly isn't a shorthand way of saying something isn't very good. In my opinion once you reach a base level better sound quality becomes harder and more expensive to attain, to a point where it's much more subjective and you like the way a piece of equipment presents the sound to you, it's no better or worse but you personally prefer it. if we all liked the same things the world would be a boring place.

[Barry]

I think the ill-defined term 'musicality' is another way of suggesting a sense of engagement with what you are listening to. One several occasions I have auditioned two cartridges, each equally well regarded - but with one, I found myself not really listening to the music as much as I should: it just didn't engage me.

I don't really believe in absolutes, but if asked to offer an opinion based on experience, I would not go for a Linn LP12.

[KeithL]

Sandy - that's my ex back-up SL150/SME 3009 you're not sure about. For your information my current TT is SL150 / Jelco SA750D / Goldring 1042 into a Graham Slee GramAmp 2SE. Sometimes I change over to AT33PTG/11 into the MC stage of my Luxman. Underpinning everything is my SL150. I have a more modern SL1500C which I find no more stable than my 50 year old SL150. I wouldn't change my SL150 for anything less than a SP10.

[kirstysdad]

I am tending towards the PU3/SL150 except my homemade acrylic arm board might be a limiting factor. I suspect my measurements are incorrect.

Can anyone provide me with a template as I fear my measurements are bollox!

That said, the SME/LP12 is a classic and sound lovely even with a DIY acrylic board it takes me back to 1983...

I am using a cheapy Goldring E3 that has, TBH, exceeded my expectation...

[Wakefield Turntables]

I am tending towards the PU3/SL150 except my homemade acrylic arm board might be a limiting factor. I suspect my measurements are incorrect.

Can anyone provide me with a template as I fear my measurements are bollox!

That said, the SME/LP12 is a classic and sound lovely even with a DIY acrylic board it takes me back to 1983...

I am using a cheapy Goldring E3 that has, TBH, exceeded my expectation...

Sandy, I would completely ignore any comments regarding your setup. At the end of the day, it's what makes you happy and if having 2 setups works for you, then so be it! It dosen't matter how you reach sonic nirvana so long as you enjoy yourself getting there.