RE: so how do they sound musically? (nt)

Posted by Mister Pig (A) on January 6, 2020 at 18:23:58

In Reply to: so how do they sound musically? (nt) posted by kuma on January 6, 2020 at 13:47:43:

Well these tables are really not meant to sound the same, nor do they have the same cartridges, and only two are on the same phono stage, so its more of how does each analog system sound?

My primary phono stage is an Esoteric E-03, which has two inputs so the SOTA Cosmos Eclipse and the Well Tempered Reference are both on that phono stage. The Sota has a Transfiguration Audio Proteus cartridge, and the TR has an Ikeda 9 Kawami. The Sota gets high marks in all areas, its just a well rounded table. It presents tone, detail, dynamic expression, space, nd bass response in equal measures. You think it has top flight marks in transparency and immediacy, until you listen to the WTR and Ikeda. That tables strenghths is presence and clarity, if the recording is right it really does sound like the performer is in the room with you. It spooky good in this regards.

The VPI is a casual listening table for me, and it seems to be more aligned with strengths an idler table has, such as dynamic expression. Cartridge is a ZYX 4D and phono stage is a Graham Slee Ascension with either an Elevator or Miyajima SUT. The sound is a bit creamier than either the SOTA or WTR, but its nice to listen to. Has good dyanamic attack and respectable bass response. I have Symposium Audio isolation base and the footers they may for Prime tables, I want to see if I can squeeze a bit more focus out of it. When the score card is added up it does fall behind the other two tables.

Which is my favorite? The SOTA, but the Well Tempered Reference and Ikeda is so good, I can listen to it all night and not feel that I am missing anything. I think a person should experience one of these original cantileverless designs Ikeda did when he first started the company. Since he has passed on, we will never get any more of these wonderful cartridges.

Cheers
Mister Pig

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - So I Was Able To Get 3 Tables Side By Side.No Room To Spare Though - Mister Pig 10:11:40 01/6/20 (13)

Like your Mr Pig wooden Puzzle. - bare 19:24:07 01/7/20 (0)

RE: Pardon my ignorance: what's the blue table? - B. Scarpia 18:07:31 01/6/20 (1)

Looks like a Well Tempered Reference - johntoste 10:10:19 01/7/20 (0)

so how do they sound musically? (nt) - kuma 13:47:43 01/6/20 (5)

RE: so how do they sound musically? (nt) - Mister Pig 01/6/2018:23:58 01/6/20 (4)

Ikeda cartridge... - kuma 23:28:17 01/6/20 (3)

RE: Ikeda cartridge... - Mister Pig 06:15:40 01/7/20 (2)

RE: Ikeda cartridge... - kuma 03:20:08 01/8/20 (0)

RE: Ikeda cartridge... - mkane77g 08:29:10 01/7/20 (0)

RE: So I Was Able To Get 3 Tables Side By Side.No Room To Spare Though - John Elison 10:56:25 01/6/20 (3)

RE: So I Was Able To Get 3 Tables Side By Side.No Room To Spare Though - Mister Pig 11:01:23 01/6/20 (2)

RE: So I Was Able To Get 3 Tables Side By Side.No Room To Spare Though - John Elison 12:46:11 01/6/20 (1)

RE: So I Was Able To Get 3 Tables Side By Side.No Room To Spare Though - nottingham365 11:42:25 01/7/20 (0)

Follow Ups

RE: so how do they sound musically? (nt) - Mister Pig 01/6/2018:23:58 01/6/20 (4)

Ikeda cartridge... - kuma 23:28:17 01/6/20 (3)

RE: Ikeda cartridge... - Mister Pig 06:15:40 01/7/20 (2)

RE: Ikeda cartridge... - kuma 03:20:08 01/8/20 (0)

RE: Ikeda cartridge... - mkane77g 08:29:10 01/7/20 (0)

RE: so how do they sound musically? (nt)

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