The nuances coming out of AS is phenomenal.better than AF1P and 927. This make you hear more from a vinyl and make you able to hear better atmosphere of the recording venue, the difference between pressings of the same music and the new gear or tweaks you add into the system. It is not a wow tt what good is it then? The more I listen the more AS2000 impresses me with its "naked transparency." It is just so darn transparent so clear so open. To be honest on the first day I did not feel anything very special about it except for hearing music more transparent and open than from the other tts. And music just does not pop out from muted dark background like the Kronos. It sure sounds smaller with less rhythmic punch than the EMT 927. Instruments also not neatly laid out like the Techdas. The sound stage is narrower, less deep and less layer than the AF1P. The American Sound is not a tt that would wow you from the start. I find the tone to be a little warmer than the others. Your foot will be tapping and attention will be paying to the musical performance. Many things MikeL said about his Saskia sounded like he was describing the 927. Music has tremendous presence and involvement. The 927 is even more dynamic than the Af1P. If you are not crazy at comparing specific and you dont put the Techdas or AS2000 next to it, you would not be saying what I said. The resolution and detail retrieval cannot match the Techdas or AS2000. 927 has quiet back ground but not black back ground like the Kronos and AF1P. It reminded me of the big plinth Acoustic Signature Invictus which also sounds big like the 927 but with better resolution. I don't know because it is idler or because of its big plinth. It sounds big.bigger than the other three. The 927 is 50+ years old so each could be different depending on how it has been maintained. I must remind that I am talking only about my unit. This tt is the most rhythmic tt of the four. You listen to it long enough you notice a sound pattern and it will keep reminding you its impressiveness. Basically if you go by check boxes and score of each check box, the AF1P will win most points. I think it also plays amplified music better than the other tts I have. I can see why Micro who loves his dCs ditched the 927 and embraces the AF1P. The AF1P has a hefty weighty dynamic probably because of the bass. Some how I often have a sense of watching a parade when I listen. You listen to orchestra or jazz big band you feel that each instrument is neatly laid out. The presentation is less upfront than Kronos but more grand scale. If you highly value quietness between notes then this is it. It plays music very clean, neat, articulate, instruments are very organized. The finish of Kronos is less than impressive although Boonyarat can photograph it so nicely. With old records it does not preserve the uniqueness of different recording so well. The Kronos plays very well and exciting with new vinyl pressing. By the time it got fixed I already felt more confident with other tts. My unit had frequent problems with speed control. I don't think it does PRaT as well as the other three. The music from it is dynamic and snappy (fast?) but not weighty like the Af1P and 927. The presentation is more up front than the Af1 and AS2000. With live jazz and vocal I like it more than the AF1P. This tt sounds more casually lively than the AF1P.
The optional power supply makes the image more focus. My friends who only do digital all gave me this comment. This quietness is comparable to the AF1P.
The tt itself has small mechanical sound when you walk closer to the motor. Sound especially vocal pops out from dark back ground. Obvious aspect you notice will be the quietness. Ich mag diese kurzen Klangbeschreibungen hier gerne teilen, da ich mit solchen Beschreibungen viel anfangen kann und mich freuen würde, wenn solcherart Beschreibungen auch im deutschen "High-End" ihren Einzug finden würden: Einer der asiatischen Mitglieder hat aktuell 4 Plattenspieler in seinem set up und wurde gefragt, wie der diese klanglich beschreiben würde. Zur Weihnachtszeit habe ich wieder viel in internationalen Foren gelesen und mir ist wieder einmal aufgefallen,ĭass die Beschreibungen von Klangeindrücken im Whats Best Forum immer wieder gut gelingt.