Sperling turntable
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Hi Christian,
How are the different models of Sperling compared with AirForce2 and Kronos?
Thanks!
As I only have the Airforce One and Clearaudio Master Innovation, I cannot answer the question. For my purposes, the AF1 is the best turntable on the planet. I would not trade it for anything. So quiet, speed stable and dynamic. Without even hearing the Sperling, I probably would have chosen it over my clearaudio even if it didn't sound any better due to the cool looking factor.
I've heard the Kronos and Air Force 1 but neither appealed to, with both coming across as just another table and nothing to write home about. In fact, I found the performance of each quite underwhelming. Just more hifi to my ears. My preference is for older tables like the Verdier, Lurne and Goldmund Reference. But the Sperling L1 is the first TT in years that lowered the noise floor to unprecedented levels. The way it retrieves micro details while preserving the musical message is beyond belief. And it does it in a very unspectacular/natural way. It's the only table in years to replace my Verdier and this says a great deal. I have not heard the L2 or L3 so I can't form an opinion. Sperling is also coming out with a new tonearm designed by legendary Robert Fuchs. Anxious to hear that as well.
High praise indeed, however I doubt if Air Force one would ever sound hifi.
Is the Sperling a little soft sounding in comparison, like tubes vs SS compared to the AF1?
Trying to understand what you mean by hifi sounding
cheers
The Sperling is far from soft! To the contrary it's very alive and fast sounding. The AF1 sounded very dynamic and quiet no doubt. I can see why some find it appealing. But I found it failing to convey musicality in the way that the Sperling does. And quite frankly, I don't think the Kronos can come close to either. The Sperling has depth and incisiveness that I've never heard before. It dissects orchestral elements with unreal precision while preserving the "gestalt"Very different than other current tables; a real analog gem.
Unless you heard all these tables in the same system/room with the same arm, cartridge, and phonostage etc it's impossible to make that judgement.
Picture of Sperling L-3 from CES. (credit: Las Vegas Audio Club http://lasvegasaudioclub.blogspot.com/)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o86hlFwSXRE/VLGt-j3g7JI/AAAAAAAAAxo/vNFqvFtqaX8/s1600/DSC01844.JPG
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o86hlFwSXRE/VLGt-j3g7JI/AAAAAAAAAxo/vNFqvFtqaX8/s1600/DSC01844.JPG
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In this price range, I would not ignore the Kronos, it is simply the best sounding turntable I've had in my system. Period.
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