Is it Brooksy's Techy you're referring to, Gaz? If so, I can totally understand where you're coming from, especially if it was fitted with his usual SME/Ortofron Kontrapunkt combo, which for me although decent enough, just doesn't produce musical synergy.

Although let's not forget that a well-sorted 401, in a quality plinth, is a hard act to beat... However, in the past when I've taken my Techy to Owston (even in a much less 'fettled' state than it is now), it had no problem competing with an assortment of Garrards.

I must make the effort to attend the next Owston, and bring the Techy with me, as it would be interesting to see how it fairs these days against some of the top-notch T/Ts that folk bring to the event. It's interesting too, that the Slics didn't appear to act as the 'universal panacea' that some make out, as I'm not sensing much love there...

Marco.