RobertSlavin
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Joined: Mar 25 2007 - 8:01am
Not really $6,000
Michael Fremer
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Joined: Jun 26 2006 - 9:49am
It's funny: on the one hand are readers who think racks are B.S.—that they can't make much of a sonic difference and on the other are readers like this, who insist that without the expensive rack the Avid would not sound as good as I said it did! Can't win! Look, there's no doubt the excellent rack helps but I have reviewed many turntables on the same rack and all things being equal, the Diva II SP is as I said it was. A built in suspension is hardly a guaranty that a good support system is unnecessary—I owned a VPI TNT (suspended) and had it on a VPI stand filled with sand and leadshot and it still bounced the stylus because the floor beneath was springy... I stand by my review of the DIVA II SP. Put it on any decent, not necessarily expensive stand and it will perform as I wrote---perhaps not as well as on an HRS stand and base, but neither will a suspended 'table IMO... and I reviewed it using a variety of phono preamps....but that's not really the point.... As for Mr.Samuels' comment, I too was surprised. I have given his phono preamps consistently good reviews. Most have performed beyond their price point. This one was simply up to par given the price point. I didn't think it surpassed it. There's not much I can do about the endlessly effusive, breathless style of "reviewing" currently in vogue. Too many reviewers with too little experience too generous with superlatives all in search of seeing their quote in an advertisement. The state of the reviewing art today is very, very low.
RPeck
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Joined: Feb 27 2011 - 11:14am

Michael,

I could not agree with you more.

I currently own a Lyra Helicon because of your review. It has truly served me well for about four years. It is a great value and a excellent performer. But alas, it is starting to show its age and I was wondering how you like the Kleos or should I move up to the Skala?

Randy

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