Hi, Nelson. It's a pretty amazing table and tonearm. Very well manufactured. I just ran two identical Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays albums, one on each table, and switched via ARC Ref 2SE remote inputs to A/B. I'm not sure how much of the difference is related to tonearms and cartridges (graham phantom supreme with Benz LP-S vs AMG 12" arm with new Miyajima Kansui cartridge not broken in yet), but initial listening tells me this:
1. the AMG may be a little bit more quiet...although the output of the Kansui is lower than the LP-S (I have to turn up the input on Kansui to match volume of Benz), I do believe I hear a blacker background and less surface noise playing the AMG
2. the AMG (probably the Miyajima equally) sounds more dynamic, more punch, especially in the lower registers, and it sounds a bit smoother and warmer
3. the Innovation Wood with Benz sounds more open and detailed....but again Kansui isn't broken in.
4. both are beautiful tables with perfect quality of manufacturing. The AMG takes up more room than I thought given its long oval shape.
5. the tonearm wires on the AMG look very delicate so be careful when mounting your cartridge. Also, be careful what surface you put the table on....the built in spikes which also level the table can easily indent or scratch whatever surface the table sits on; and you level before putting the platter on so account for some added weight (so more length on the spike adjustment that ends up covered by the platter). the included belt mounting tool is pure genius.
6. speed and pitch stability on both are state of the art...my ears are very sensitive to changes in speed or belt slippage....both these are like direct drive tables in that regard.
I wouldn't give up my Innovation Wood - love that table especially ability to run two arms (Schick with Miyajima Zero mono cartridge....may be the best cartridge I have ever heard), but I'm glad I bought the AMG...will use this when I want to have a smoother, warmer, punchier vinyl ride (and that may change as the cartridge settles in and opens up)
Darrin,
I ordered the AMG TT.
In my home maybe next month
Tell me about your experience with the TT.
Do you like it more than the Clearaudio ?
Nelson