Kronos Sparta Update

**Mike** · August 16, 2014, 05:33 PM

I've had my Kronos Sparta now for over a week and have been doing nothing but spinning vinyl.

Putting the Kronos together yourself is the best way to get a true appreciation for the engineering genius behind this table. The André Thériault Helena Tonearm is again another example of brilliant engineering. The arm has a ball which rests in a "cup", making all those hours struggling to get azimuth perfect a thing of the past. Of course, it is possible to throw azimuth off, but once needle drops into the groove, it tracks beautifully.

Like others, I wondered about the counter rotating platters. I know the design is meant to eliminate torsional forces, which can blur images....but I got to thinking, how could I test this? Is this theoretical? Something that we can measure, but not hear? Or is it so significant that we can really indeed hear it? So, I disconnected the second platter and holy crap! The entire soundstage collapsed. Imaging was definitely less focused. I'll admit, I don't totally understand it - but the difference was not subtle.

I'll have more to say later....but for now....this is certainly a destination table for me.

DSC01003.jpg
DSC01004.jpg
DSC01010.jpg
DSC01002.jpg

**Myles B. Astor** · August 16, 2014, 05:50 PM

Selling the Lumin?

**mep** · August 16, 2014, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor

Selling the Lumin?

**Mike** · August 16, 2014, 05:54 PM

Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor

Selling the Lumin?

Never....but it will get less hours.

**FlexibleAudio** · August 16, 2014, 06:22 PM

Very cool Mike. The logic behind the counter rotation for a suspended design is very compelling from a theoretical standpoint. If indeed the biggest short coming of suspension systems has been mitigated, I can't see how a weighted design can meet its performance. My fear has been whether the forces perfectly counter balance in the Kronos design so that speed control and pitch aren't perturbed. I am very excited to follow your observations.

**annapolis Raider** · August 16, 2014, 06:43 PM

Congrats enjoy Mike....

You have any specs on the tonearm?

**MDP** · August 16, 2014, 07:02 PM

Very pretty TT

**Myles B. Astor** · August 16, 2014, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Never....but it will get less hours.

Let's see your answer when you get your deck?

**mep** · August 16, 2014, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor

Let's see your answer when you get your deck?

**socfan12** · August 16, 2014, 09:23 PM

Congrats, Mike! That IS a destination table!!

I think Peter B. in his video review said the Sparta brought him closer to the master tape than any other TT he has heard. Would love to get your opinion when you get your tape deck!

**mep** · August 16, 2014, 09:24 PM

The tape deck will be a game changer, trust me.

**Mike** · August 16, 2014, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by mep

The tape deck will be a game changer, trust me.

I know. I can't wait. Myles has been a big help (thank you Myles) understanding which mods I want and such. The folks at the tape project have also helped me get some pretty sweet tapes.....I mean....spend my money!

I ordered the DeHavilland Tape Preamp last week too.

**Paul** · August 16, 2014, 10:32 PM

Our forum really turn in to analogue and musical sounds system forum

**Mark Jones** · August 16, 2014, 10:45 PM

Love the pics Mike, thanks.

**veindoc** · August 16, 2014, 10:58 PM

What an architectural beauty.
Enjoy
Nick

**ctop** · August 17, 2014, 12:04 AM

Congratulations Mike...she's a beauty!

**Mike** · August 17, 2014, 12:17 AM

Thanks guys....she is a keeper for sure! I wanted the original - but when the Sparta came out, I kind of liked the way it sounded and especially the way it looked. Plus, the price was a little more palatable.

**Petro85** · August 17, 2014, 01:00 AM

i like the sparta better than big red.lol but thats on looks alone. never heard either. seriously enjoy!!!!!! it looks beautiful.

**Frank** · August 17, 2014, 07:57 AM

Gorgeous

Congrats Mike !

Frank

**dlb2** · August 17, 2014, 09:01 AM

Looks great Mike. Now start buying more vinyl!

**CPP** · August 17, 2014, 02:44 PM

Wow Mike, very cool

**KahunaCanuck** · August 18, 2014, 01:58 PM

Wow, she is gorgeous!

**Mike** · August 18, 2014, 02:02 PM

Thanks Chris and Mike. Mark Jones picked up a Kronos table as well. It sounds like master tape. I'm completely blown away by it.

**Mark Jones** · August 18, 2014, 03:03 PM

Yes mine is finally here with the Black beauty tonearm and Zyx universe II.

Mike is right these turntables don't sound like turntables, Master tape quality. Huge Dynamics with a wonderful sense of musical flow. I love it.

**FlexibleAudio** · August 19, 2014, 09:20 PM

Mark are you running through the H3000??

**Mark Jones** · August 19, 2014, 10:13 PM

Yupper

**MDP** · August 20, 2014, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by Mark Jones

Yes mine is finally here with the Black beauty tonearm and Zyx universe II.

Mike is right these turntables don't sound like turntables, Master tape quality. Huge Dynamics with a wonderful sense of musical flow. I love it.

Hey Mark, can you teach Mike to take pictures like these ?

Absolutely beautiful setup, do those Allnic's sound as good as they look ?

**Mike** · August 20, 2014, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by MDP

Hey Mark, can you teach Mike to take pictures like these ?

**XV-1** · August 20, 2014, 05:16 PM

Congrats Mike

Awesome table indeed. Analog rules!

Can it accommodate more than one tonearm?

**Mark Jones** · August 20, 2014, 05:52 PM

No, when it sounds this good you don't need to mess around with two arms!!

However, if you do play old mono records and use a mono cart, you can get two arm wands, they just plop into place and one plug for the cable, a one minute swap.

**XV-1** · August 23, 2014, 01:22 PM

Hi Mark

That is a bit if a cop out. Surely you would love to hear on the same table say an Atlas and an Anna without changin arms?

If there is no facility for that, that is all good but please do not state there is no need for two arms. Air Force one has that facility, as do many others. I guess two tables would be pretty kool as well.

**Myles B. Astor** · August 23, 2014, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by XV-1

Hi Mark

That is a bit if a cop out. Surely you would love to hear on the same table say an Atlas and an Anna without changin arms?

If there is no facility for that, that is all good but please do not state there is no need for two arms. Air Force one has that facility, as do many others. I guess two tables would be pretty kool as well.

I miss that ability on my VPI.

Besides, and I realize the Black Beauty is a good arm, some owners want another arm like a Durand, Graham (did I read there was a problem mounting it on the Kronos?), etc. with which to play.

**Mark Jones** · August 23, 2014, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by XV-1

Hi Mark

That is a bit if a cop out. Surely you would love to hear on the same table say an Atlas and an Anna without changin arms?

If there is no facility for that, that is all good but please do not state there is no need for two arms. Air Force one has that facility, as do many others. I guess two tables would be pretty kool as well.

I put two of these ! at the end of my sentence, I was more kidding around than anything.

But like I said with the Black Beauty (or Helena in the case of a Sparta) a change takes about 30 seconds if you had two wands. But yes, a problem if you want one of the other top arms available.

**XV-1** · August 23, 2014, 11:03 PM

Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor

I miss that ability on my VPI.

Besides, and I realize the Black Beauty is a good arm, some owners want another arm like a Durand, Graham (did I read there was a problem mounting it on the Kronos?), etc. with which to play.

Myles

Can, will Harry do what he does with the Classic 4 and offer the 2nd arm on the Classic Direct?

**Mike** · August 23, 2014, 11:09 PM

Louis is building arm clamps to accommodate different arms. He mentioned Graham I think.
But don't expect it anytime soon.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Mark Jones** · August 24, 2014, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Louis is building arm clamps to accommodate different arms. He mentioned Graham I think.
But don't expect it anytime soon.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think Mike is referring to the new Sparta (thread title). The Sparta is very very new and is a small table, close in size except height to an SME 20. So big arms, 12inchers and some with offset bearing like the Tri-Planar and VPI could be a problem, Louis is working on that now, In fact the arm board for the 10" Tri-Planar is probably being designed as I write this post. As far as the Graham is concerned I do not see why the 9" would be any problem.

A second arm feature, I say never on the current tables, maybe a 3rd model down the road if Kronos find they are loosing sales without that feature.

**Myles B. Astor** · September 10, 2014, 06:56 PM

**Myles B. Astor** · September 10, 2014, 06:57 PM

**Myles B. Astor** · September 10, 2014, 06:57 PM

**socfan12** · September 10, 2014, 07:30 PM

I heard the Sparta and Kronos Limited Pro this past weeekend at GTT Audio. Peter's review is spot on. Amazing vinyl setups!

I was quite surprised that at the end of Part 3, Peter says it brings him closer to the master tape sound but only gives it a 4 out of 5 score.

**mep** · September 10, 2014, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by socfan12

I heard the Sparta and Kronos Limited Pro this past weeekend at GTT Audio. Peter's review is spot on. Amazing vinyl setups!

I was quite surprised that at the end of Part 3, Peter says it brings him closer to the master tape sound but only gives it a 4 out of 5 score.

Does "5" mean perfect?

**Myles B. Astor** · September 10, 2014, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by socfan12

I heard the Sparta and Kronos Limited Pro this past weeekend at GTT Audio. Peter's review is spot on. Amazing vinyl setups!

I was quite surprised that at the end of Part 3, Peter says it brings him closer to the master tape sound but only gives it a 4 out of 5 score.

Gotta leave room for the bigger table!

**socfan12** · September 10, 2014, 09:10 PM

Heard the big brother in Bill's big room: OMG! Frikkin' amazing! Sarah McLachlan was in concert in that room! Think the big Sonja's had a lot to do with that tho.

**Myles B. Astor** · September 10, 2014, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by socfan12

Heard the big brother in Bill's big room: OMG! Frikkin' amazing! Sarah McLachlan was in concert in that room! Think the big Sonja's had a lot to do with that tho.

Yes the Sonjas are special.

Thread: Kronos Sparta Update

Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Re: Kronos Sparta Update

Posting Permissions