Help me choose between two British turntables

I have always had MM cartridges. Currently I own two Thorens 124, one of them with an AT150MLX, the other with an Ortofon 2M black. Now, the rest of my setup is dynamic enough and there is no point in having two very similar TT setups. So, I will sell one of my idler drives and proceed to buy a modern belt drive TT with a MC cartridge. I already have almost taken some decision:

Cartridge: Dynavector XX2 mkII
Arm: SME V
Phono pre: Audio Research PH6

But I am currently undecided between two competitors as for the TT itself


The J.A. Michell Orbe


The SME model 10

One of them is the pride and joy of its maker, the other one is the entry model in a stellar production line. Yet, they share a more or less comparable price tag and I find hard time choosing one. Of course, no chance to listen to both side by side, less than none with the arm and pickup I have in mind.

Could you comment on any or both of those? Which one would you choose?

 

In the UK the Orbe is somewhat less expensive. It's compatible with a wider range of arms (you wouldn't use a Rega arm on an SME deck), and easier to site as it's suspended. Both great decks, but my suspicion is that the Orbe is different enough from the 124 to be more interesting to you.

 

I love my Orbe, an Orbe should work great with what you already have, nothing against the SME which is a fine deck, but I'd put my money on an Orbe, well I did, I doubt you'll regret it.

 

Bump.

Michell Orbe vs. SME 10 is 2-0 for now, but I would appreciate some more reply from you, knowledgeable fellows. Yes, the Orbe is suspended and it is slightly cheaper, and these are two + points. Any more argument on the subject?

 

Havent heard the Orbe, but my friends Gyrodec w SME 309 and EMT cart is the bees knees. So good. Id love to hear an sme 10 or the new 15, but unlikely in the Northwest i suppose.

 

I have owned both, and preferred the Orbe. It had a more "organic" sound.
But, I think the best UK table is the Avid Sequel.

 

I actually demoed the SME 10 against the Avid Volvere - not Sequel - about ten years ago and preferred the 10 for its more visceral, incisive sound. The Avid used sounded a bit woolly in comparison. Though that could easily have been arm, cart, setup..... Avid Volvere and Sequel are even more expensive in the UK.

Don't forget that the Orbe can be upgraded with HR PSU, new support system, etc. With one of the new Rega arms (808?) even more cost-effective.

Every time I hear the Orbe I stay to listen.

Another deck you could consider in the same ballpark is the Project Xtension 10.

 

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

Dull , Dull & Dull
exciting british turntables Funk Firm Saffire & Vertere Magic Groove

 

this my Orbe with SME arm, had one for well over a decade, upgraded as time went by. Can't see me parting with it, unless I come into a hell of a lot of cash.

 

Between the two I would choose the SME. I heard the Michel and thought it was boring sounding,
It has a laid back sound that I don't like. I'm sure Michel owners would disagree, but that's my opinion.
My demo experience led to to also hear the Avid diva 2 and Volvere with SME arms, I liked both
better than the Michel. I also heard the Brinkmann Bardo, which I liked best of all. A friend
ended up buying a Bardo, and i will do the same at some point soon.

 

Michell Orbe vs. SME 10 is 5-2 for now, but several interesting new outsiders listed here, thank you all....

Pro-Ject Xtension 10 - No, It is not available without a Pro-Ject arm here in Italy and I want an SME V, which I have been dreaming of since its day 1. Then, I am not crazy about its look.

Vertere MG-1 - No, out of my price range, sorry. Unfortunately, no other cheaper model by the same maker.

Funk Firm Saffire III - Ehm, it probably is a fine sounding TT, but its look is too funky for me.

Brinkmann Bardo - I don't know. Very elegant look but it is a direct drive, even if a very different philosophy w/r to other DD TTs. Fact is, I really would need to test it well before making my mind, while I am more or less confident about what to expect from a belt drive.

Avid Sequel - No, out of my price range, sorry. Anyway, the Avid Diva II SP looks interesting to me, so I eventually add it to my maybe list



I think it is fascinating and Avid has a relevant reputation, but I don't know hot to compare it to the other two competitors. I am not relevantly young, so the dear old SME and Michell were first on my list, but I sure want to add this new entry. And oh, it is cheaper than the other two!

What do you think?

 

Are you opposed to used or restored? The hard part, aside from the difficulty of comparing tables/arms generally, is that the market is different stateside than in EU. Here's my thinking, which you are free to discount, reject or take in whole or any part:
1. It sounds like you are ready for a big dog table that you could keep for life; not a small investment or one you want to treat lightly.
2. I don't buy on aesthetics, but it is hard to ignore as a factor.
3. I'd be partial to the newer SME if you could buy on performance rather than price, but I'm not up on the latest; one question is whether the factory offers refurbished units with warranty and a related question is which of their tables, regardless of price, delivers the best performance. (I seem to remember that their newer mid-range table outperformed the older top tier SME, but I don't know). In other words, could you buy a better than entry level SME table for not much more by getting something the factory has gone over and blessed?
4. Are you considering the 12" SME arm? I am happy to put you in touch with a guy who runs a whole bunch of them- he's had all the top tables, including the Walker (which at the time, was an early price no object table) and his 'go to' is, believe it or not, an old Panasonic/Technics SP-10 mk ii or mk iiii that has been completely refurbished and installed in a serious plinth. He runs them with a variety of top tier cartridges, and can tell you what he thinks without coloring his opinions based on the need to make a sale. (He handles some gear, including a custom designed plinth as a sideline to his main business, but not the tables or as far as I know SME arms- though given his enthusiasm for them, he probably ought be a dealer).
5. One of the top tables I always wanted to hear was the Platine Verdier, but sadly, the owner/builder recently died, and I have no idea if the company remains active. It is a high mass table.
Good luck. I went through a similar process back in 2006. And haven't looked back or considered upgrading since then.

 

The Orbe comes with it's own superior PSU and doesn't need upgrading. HR PSU is for the Gyrodec.

 

Must admit, although they are now assembled in the Czech Republic, I'd be after the Nottingham decks as well. The Interspace, etc...lovely turntables. Used to be made near Sherwood Forestin Nottingham, but I think the founder either sold up or retired. Either way, beautiful turntables.

You might also consider Inspire, from Chesterfield. They have a range of different decks and types on offer.

 

The SME 10 would always be my choice for a high end table. If one needs to spend more than this, there is something seriously wrong with the medium. No one needs a $200K turntable. And you still need a great phono stage and cart, so moving more money in that direction makes more sense to me.

 

Thanks for the clarification.

 

Thanks for your reply. I have a question for you: in order to remove the Orbe's cover lid is it mandatory to unscrew it or can you just lift it up? I like having a dust cover, but I also like to to remove it for playing, which comes impossible if screws are involved.

 

Not to go off topic but gotta ask, since you have two very similar rigs, which cart sounds best?

I have a Roksan Radius 5.2 and love it.

 

As an SME 20/2 with V arm owner, I'm partial to the company's designs and sonics. I bought used and there's always one or two going on A'gon, so I would give that serious thought if dropping some cash now on a 'destination' table. There's a lot of value in the used table market. I considered the Mitchells at the time but the SME just sort of grabbed me and were easier to find. Am sure the Mitchell is great too but I never regretted the final decision. As soon as I put a record on, the difference between the SME and the table it replaced (a non-too-shabby VPI Aries) was obvious in terms of detail and resolution. And while it is a 'set it and forget it' design, there is lots of capability for setting it right, which I learned over the years. I think the SME 10 looks great, but all SME owners tell me that the sound of each table improves as you go up the line.

 

It lifts off, two pins locate in the fixed hinges.

 

That's a sharp looking TT.

 

I currently have an Aries with the 3D tonearm and it sounds great, but if I ever decide to upgrade, it's going to be an SME. That'll be my final TT.

 

What he said !!

 

I love both but the ORBE looks a tad better imo. I'd goo for the SME 20 if I wanted an SME.
Alternatives are available of course Brinkmann got great tables without a Direct Drive like the Balance or the Laq Grange. Thorens of course have the TD 550, which looks gorgeous , not to forget Clearaudio's INNOVATION - but when you are sure you want that Tonearm I'd stick to the ORBE. You can add the tonearm to all 3 tables I mentioned but they look better with the tonearms from their own manufacturing.
But take a lok at the Brinkmann Balance - that is not so far away from the ORBE/SME looks..
http://brinkmann-audio.de/main.php?prod=balance&lang=de

 

I presume you mean the AT150MLX vs. the 2M Black... Well, this would need a different thread but in short: both share a noteworthy dynamic character, but the 2M Black has a more neutral tonal balance, if only I had succeeded in getting his loading right I think it would perform outstandingly. Alas, after playing with the phono pre input resistance (40k-43k perform better than the standard 47k), after switching to very low TT capacitance cables, I still have an audible resonance peak in the highest octave, which is annoying on the best recordings, even if very helping on duller sounding ones. I am available to needledrop some records and let you judge, but AFAIK none will sound exactly right unless I replace the input capacitors on my MM phono pre with lower value ones. Being it an Audio Research, I am hesitant... Anyway, none of them both sounds as natural as my old Shure V15III MR. I still have 2 half-used VN35MR styli and I think I will re-mount it on the main Thorens 124. Mind you, I am talking of the original Shure microridge stylus for the V15III, neither she Shure elliptical or hyperelliptical nor the Jico SAS are on par, and I have and have extensively tested all of those. Unfortunately, resurrecting the Shure V15III could only be a temporary solution, until the styli I have eventually wear out to their end.