nillaboy Senior Member Joined: 16 Oct 2008 Posts: 3 Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Thu Oct 16, 2008, 9:58am Subject: Speedster vs. GS3 vs. Synesso
I'm thinking about a permanent cure for espresso machine desire. Speedster vs. GS3 vs. Synesso. Seems like pricing is similar, stratospheric. Obviously, all of these machines represent the pinnacle. However, it seems like La Marzocco and Synesso have published data regarding temperature stability and precision that are pretty spectacular. The Speedster is hands down the sexiest, but I have not been able to find data on the temperature stability and precision. I know that it is a PID controlled boiler, but I'm left wondering if the design provides for the same degree of stability and precision that the other machines have demonstrated.
Nothing obvious about it, and I doubt many professionals would agree with all of your trio. Do not assume technical tests translate directly to cup quality or reliability. For a perspective from professional baristas, have a look at BaristaExchange discussion.
Everman Senior Member Joined: 25 Nov 2004 Posts: 1,043 Location: Coffee Land Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Valentina Levetta, Elektra... Grinder: Mazzer Mini Roaster: Hottop
Posted Thu Oct 16, 2008, 11:50am Subject: Re: Speedster vs. GS3 vs. Synesso
I'm not qualified to say what's better. It's my guess that if any of them were my personal machine, I probably wouldn't tell the difference in the cup. Therefore I'd go for the coolest looking one, the Speedster :)
edit: meant to say I would probably not tell the difference.
Posted Fri Oct 17, 2008, 3:46pm Subject: Re: Speedster vs. GS3 vs. Synesso
If money and space are no object, and temperature control is your goal, looking at 2-group machines will open up more of the most advanced current technology. F'rinstance the 2009 WBC finalist machines: Dalla Corte Evolution, La Marzocco FB70 and Nuovo Simonelli Aurelia.
If it has to be a single head and you don't want to risk becoming a long-term beta tester, I would look at an LM Linea, rather than the GS3, and maybe consider a Faema Legend (mainly 'cause it's gorgeous) and Dalla Corte Super Mini.
JasonBrandtLewis Senior Member Joined: 9 Dec 2005 Posts: 6,098 Location: Berkeley, CA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Elektra T1 - La Valentina -... Grinder: Mahlkönig K30 Vario -... Vac Pot: Yama 5-cup Drip: CCD, Chemex Roaster: No, no, not another...
Posted Sat Oct 18, 2008, 12:51pm Subject: Re: Speedster vs. GS3 vs. Synesso
Presuming you are looking at one-group machines, and presuming that looks are are the deciding factor, I'd probably do a Speedster first, followed by the Synesso, and a LM GS3. (YMMV.) Presuming you are looking at the quality of the espresso produced, I think it's a three-way tie. But I'd think about where I live and service options on all three before I pulled the trigger, and that might make a difference . . .
And I second Marshall's suggestion of a Faema Legend, or Faema Jubile (both come as 1, 2, or 3-group machines).
NewEnglandCliff Senior Member Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 92 Location: New England Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Spaziale S1, Salvatore,... Grinder: Macap, Innova, Solis Vac Pot: Hario Nouveau, Sunbeam C20B,... Roaster: Hearthware I-Roast
Posted Wed Jan 28, 2009, 4:04pm Subject: Re: Speedster vs. GS3 vs. Synesso
The main drawbacks to the professional machines, besides price and size, are the power requirements, very long warmup time, and huge steam boiler size. How long is the water in a 6 liter boiler going to remain in there before being replaced? You'd have to use it an awful lot.
A: How about none of the above! For the going price of any one of those machines listed you could get two or three other "lesser" prosumer machines brand new, probably with even a few dollars left over to spare after all is said and done.
Personally for the astronomically outrageous price of a GS3, I'd much rather have a LaCimbali Junior S/1 and an Elektra Sixties A3!!
My Espresso Setup: Ala di Vittoria La Valentina, PID'd Isomac Zaffiro, La Cremoka Moka, Mazzer Major, Olympia Cremina 67, La Pavoni PC-16, Rancilio Rocky, Saeco Classico
---------------------------------------------------- "A lot of people respect you here in the CG community. I can say that I don't. in 90% of your posts, you come off as arrogant, conceited, and a show off to me. If you get mad or defensive, thats fine and natural. But you should seriously think about that, and think about how you are displaying yourself in this community." -fellow CG member Pe_tah on moderator JonR10 ----------------------------------------------------
Posted Wed Jan 28, 2009, 11:11pm Subject: Re: Speedster vs. GS3 vs. Synesso
Jeff_J Said:
A: How about none of the above! For the going price of any one of those machines listed you could get two or three other "lesser" prosumer machines brand new, probably with even a few dollars left over to spare after all is said and done.
The quality curve is exponential. the jump in quality between a $100 machine and a $500 machine is enormous. The jump between a $500 machine and a $1500 machine is not quite so big. When you're comparing a $2500 machine and a $7000 machine, that extra 4 grand buys you only a little bit, but for some people that little bit is worth it.
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