Kronos Sparta Update

Mike

Mike

Audioshark
Staff member
Joined
Apr 2, 2013
Messages
30,488
Location
Sarasota, FL
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.

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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.
 
Congrats, Mike! That IS a destination table!!:congrats:

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!
 
The tape deck will be a game changer, trust me.
 
mep said:
The tape deck will be a game changer, trust me.
Click to expand...

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