The Supatrac Kleos SL/SAT Atlas Lambda SL "A/B" Reveal

a more fair test coming up!

This comparison was more for entertainment value than anything especially since the cartridges mounted in each arm were different! Let's start there. The comparison was between a $4395 cartridge and one costing $14,295 and an arm costing around $3700 versus one costing around $60,000. The phono preamp was the the $28,995 van den Hul The Grail SX (review will shortly be published). I could not use the CH Precision P10 because it is across the way installed for use with the Wilson-Benesch GMT turntable currently under review for The Absolute Sound.

File A was the Supatrac/Kleos SL. File B was the SAT/Atlas Lambda SL. Of course the Atlas's sonic performance is considerably more refined and "free-flowing" compared to the Kleos, which of course is very fine too!

Before I pack up the van den Hul The Grail SX I'll post another comparison with the Atlas Lambda SL in both arms. Stay tuned for that!

Comments

2024-03-03 12:11:56 AM

Josquin des Prez wrote:

I would just love the hear that SAT arm in my rig (Clearaudio Innovation/Atlas SL). $60!...ugh.
- 2024-03-03 12:12:28 AM
  
  Josquin des Prez wrote:
  
  err...the ugh is for $60K. ;)
2024-03-03 02:18:43 AM

chriscarcinogen wrote:

I didn't think the GMT would ever go into production!
2024-03-03 03:08:50 AM

Michael Kaye wrote:

Definitely the nicest sounding and most beautiful roulette wheel I've ever seen!
2024-03-03 02:43:10 PM

Tim wrote:

Thanks Michael - I was badgering for the reveal.

I was very much hoping that File B was the Supatrac -> it sounded vastly superior to my ears.

My 4Point and Etna combo ( also purchased at your well established advice) will continue to rock my world until I win the lottery and can manage an SAT purchase.
2024-03-03 03:14:06 PM

Tim wrote:

Adding to previous comment:

VERY much looking forward to the upcoming "fairer" comparison to hear how much of the difference comes from the cartridge vs. arm.

Also thanks for these fun comparisons - I enjoy them immensely
2024-03-03 04:09:30 PM

T68 wrote:

Yup! Looking forward to the comparison with same cartridge on both arms.
2024-03-03 08:35:50 PM

JACK L wrote:

Hi

"The comparison was between a $4395 cartridge and one costing $14,295 and an arm costing around $3700 versus one costing around $60,000.." qtd M Fremer

Wow. I could never dream how good would be sound of such cartridge/arm combinations as I would not dream to spend such big buck on them, sorry.

They got to send the owners up to 7th music heaven !

JACK L
- 2024-03-03 10:46:36 PM
  
  SUPATRAC wrote:
  
  It's interesting to listen to the double bass solo which starts at 3:05. Which sounds better is one question, but another question is which has more conviction and better timing.
2024-03-05 08:39:28 AM

Volki wrote:

Hard to say which is better. But I'm biased because to my ears the SAT tonearms are completely overrated, which ultimately underlines my decision-making dilemma. If the SAT is worth the money, it should outperform the Supatrack, which would result in a clear vote for C or D!