I've posted this on a couple audio forums and have gotten zilch. Should've come here first.

Thanks to Hurricane Michael I'll be getting a new system...except for speakers I believe.

I've been reading great things about the GEM Dandy PolyTable. Any body have any experience? Clear Audio Concept is also in my sights. I like the Mitchell Gyro SE, but after adding tonearm and cartridge I imagine that'll be out of my price range when all is said and done. I don't have anywhere near close to go listen in person - so that sucks.

Also, I'm leaning towards the Schiit Freya pre-amp. For amps I'm thinking Schiit Vidar's or NuPrime STA-9's - either will be two units running bridged mono. Speakers -if they're good to go - are Revel Performa M22's (85db/6 ohm).

Any info/suggestions are greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance,
Rick

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RIC.45,

quote:

GEM Dandy PolyTable

No experience with the GEM but owning a Merrill modified The AR table I can attest to George's prowess when it comes to TT designs and tweaks. He's been around a LONG time as a major innovator FWIW. Cost seems reasonable given the prices of other high end tables. I really like the Super 12 version.

I'm running a DIY SUT (step up transformer) for my low output Denon DL-304 and DL-103D moving coil cartridges through a full featured preamp. Currently an Odyssey Tempest. Past included gear such as the Phase Linear 3000 Series II, and Marshall Leach Low TIM preamps.

And I listen through modified, subwoofer augmented, biamped Magneplanar MGIIIa's.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bald1,

In case I didn't make it clear, my opinion is the GEM (George E. Merrill) unit is the best of the 3 you cited. And I like the 12" over the 9/10" arm version.

Ranking them I'd place the Mitchell second and the Clear Audio third.

Thanks for the input!!

The more I read more the more I lean towards the GEM. I'm liking the Super 12 as well. Gonna have to see how the money works out. I figure a Ortofon 2m Red will hold me for a while and I'll save for either the Hana EL or Sumiko Blue Point Special Evo III.



Rick

Hana is a terrific cartridge. I'm running the SL on a VPI Classic table and love the sound...

quote:

Originally posted by RIC.45:
Sumiko Blue Point Special Evo III.

I have this cartridge, the low output one, on my Sota Star Sapphire. Excellent sound, great soundstage, extremely detailed.

Rick,

Let us know what you end up deciding.

My old school 1983 vintage AR TT with Merrill mods and other tweaks. My arm is a Sumiko Premier MMT (with PIB-1 interface box, HS-12 headshell and an available MMT VTA-16 base which isn't installed) which was made by Jelco back in the day. Jelco's TS-550L arm on the GEM Polytable reflects the same overall tried and true classic design.
An Orsonic AV-1S headshell with a second Denon MC cart sits on the right of the table.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bald1,

An update - finally. Summer 2020 I ordered and picked up a Rogue Audio Magnum 3 integrated tube amp.

Dec 2020 I finally decided on and ordered the GEM Dandy PolyTable w/a 10" TK-850M MKII tonearm. It currently has an Ortofon 2m red cartridge. In due time it will be fitted with a Nagaoka MP-150 cart.

Between post office delays and forgotten parts - it to about 3 weeks to get it set up.

This setup sounds great!!! Perhaps a bit thin on bass with some recordings - but the midrange more than makes up for that (especially since I'm going thru tubes.

So there you have it. A little over two years after Hurricane Michael and my stereo is replaced and up'n runnin'. And thanks to mold - I ended up claiming 80 albums on insurance. Fortunately I had placed all my favs out of harms way and was able to get them out of the house before to mold started.


Rick

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RIC.45,

Well done Rick. Would love to see some pictures. Regardless enjoy in good health!

I am curious about your choice of the Nagaoka in this turntable.

FWIW my first move from some pretty decent MM carts to MC was a Denon DL-301 I bought in 1983 in Akihabara Japan. In years since I've heard numerous high and very high end (read: VERY expensive) MC carts in other folks systems. But that DL-301 made me a Denon MC sound fan since. The pair I have on hand are the DL-304 and DL-103D. Both outstanding in my system.
(System description: https://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/320.html )

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bald1,