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turntable recommendations

I'm currently running a rega rp6 with a groovetracer subplatter and a dynavector 20x2 cartridge.  I quite like it, but Upgradeitis has set in.    My goal is to get a  noticeable improvement without breaking the bank, say $5 K absolute tops.  I prefer new.    Based on my search to date, my current finalists are a rega p8 with apheta 3, or a dr. feikert volare with Origin silver mk3a tonearm and a hana ml.   Others I seriously considered are a clearaudio performance DC wood or a VPI prime, but with those I would have to put the Dynavector on it to stay under budget and it already has high hours on it.  None of these choices are available to demo in my area (Seattle) so I'm reaching out to my audiophile brethren for your experience, to better inform my decision.  
stantheman2
vinylvalet
899 posts
 
There is a very well regarded new Pear Audio Kid Thomas/Cornet 2 & Ortofon Cadenza Black on USAudioMart priced below wholesale. The turntable/tonearm is just about in your price range.

https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/impressions-the-pear-audio-blue-kid-thomas-turntable-cornet-2-tonearm-system/
stantheman2 OP
8 posts
 
Update from OP:  Thanks to all for the good, thoughtful replies. I finally ordered a Feikert Volare turntable (walnut) with Origin Live Silver Mk 3A tonearm and Hana ML cartridge from Upscale Audio, who I thought gave me  a good price.  Should arrive next week - I'll post first impressions. 
FYI, whoever suggested HiFi Heaven, was spot on.  They offered very, good trade-in prices on some gear I am selling on to offset the purchase price of the new turntable - in their case, it would have been to purchase a Rega P10 with Alpheta III cartridge.   The Feikert just appealed to me more, and total cost was $2K less.  
Also FYI, Upscale Audio didn't seem interested in my used gear - they didn't offer near as much for trade-in, and discouraged me from trading anything in to them; your mileage may vary, of course.    

jorgjean
76 posts
 
The Luxman PD-151 would be within your budget. I own the PD-171a, big jump over the Rega. Very good and practical tonearm. Super build quality. And of course the looks.

Highly recommended.
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
I am in Seattle. Whilst I sell my own lines I also am happy to chat about setup etc. should you like...
stantheman2 OP
8 posts
 
I'm the OP - bought the Feikert Volare turntable.  I've had it a week, and here are my impressions:  Great turntable! I bought the Feikert Volare with Origin Live Silver Mk 3A tonearm and Hana ML cartridge. I was running a Rega RP6 with a Dynavector 20X2H -no slouch of a setup - and had some lingering concern that the difference would not be worth it. Boy, was I wrong - the Feikert/Origin/Hana combo is a MAJOR improvement in every way. First, the Feikert is dead quiet - deep black backgrounds. Next, the separation of instruments and voices is considerably better. the classic "I'm hearing distinct new instruments that I never heard before!" Third, detail. I listen to a lot of acoustic music, and for the first time I can really hear the fingering on an acoustic guitar or bass, and I can hear the bow scraping across the strings of a cello or violin. Yet there is no edginess - it simply sounds more complete, more "right". Fourth, impact - transients are quicker and drums are more impactful. Overall, I'm shocked at how much better vinyl sounds overall through the Feikert combo. Highly, Highly, Highly recommended!
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