Putting together turntable rig


Hi,

reaching out to the community in hope of some help regarding putting together a analog rig. Since now I exclusively listen digital. I‘am very happy with my Setup, but was thinking of maybe updating my Audio Analogue AADAC since it is the weakest link.

But about three months ago I have the urge to get a turntable. Had then a loaner from a friend of me, a Dr. Feickert Volare with a Jelco arm and Hana cartridge, Phono Preamp was from Audio Analogue. I was really impressed and enjoyed it a lot.

My chain at the moment:
- Viva Audio Solistino with 845 Elrog’s and vintage tubes
- Cube Audio Nenuphar
- 432evo Aeon Server/Roon Core
- the mentioned AADAC
- Good copper cable’s 
- SOTM Switch 
- Townshends Pucks under all components 
- Audioplan Power-Filter/Star and Plant‘s

I do have already something in mind:
- Dr. Feickert Woodpecker 
- Arms something like Viv Lab Rigid Float, Reed 3P, Origin Live Conqueror 
- No idea for a cartridge yet 
- Preamp Rike Natalija 

It‘s not written in stone, it‘s just the direction I was thinking.

The problem is I do have not the funds right now to get everything at once. There are now two ways that come to my mind. Save long enough and by everything at once. Or, get some “good” parts, mix them for the beginning with some “cheaper“ used ones, and replace them afterwards with the desired ones.
But if going that mixed way, how to start, what would be first priority’s to get the most out of it?

Please excuse my humble english.

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!

greenhorn20
I believe you cant go wrong with the Feickert turntables. I've head both the Woodpecker with a Kuzma 4 point arm, and the Volare with the stock Origin Live arm. Both were stunning. The Woodpecker would be my dream table but the Volare punches way above it's price imo and it's going to be my end game table. 
For 10k, I think you might find a demo or used Woodpecker with a good arm for around 7k, add a giant killer AT Art9 XI for 1k and there are lots of amazing phono stages that can be found in the 2k range especially if you go used.
Try using the turntable without the arm and cartridge…the point is that They including phono preamp are a system. What do your local dealer carry, support and setup ? The good news, this is golden age of musical, well engineered and reliable LP playback systems….many, many excellent combinations… One essential bit to nail down is the question of how much good gain ( in the phono ) do you need to buy ? MM or MI will widen out your choice. 

Have fun, enjoy the music and never apologize for your English

Jim
@greenhorn20


Buy the best turntable you can afford and if possible the best arm. You can upgrade the cartridge easier later.


Your cartridge is the most important component in analog chain, if you want the most noticeable upgrade in sound quality just change your cartridge. And don’t believe the hype (MC is not better than proper MM).

@chakster

Of course you would say that because you peddle cartridges on eBay etc after recommendng them on this forum. You have a vested interest in that false argument.

The vintage moving magnets you recommend are unobtainable new and in most instances because the suspensions are very old, they are unlikely to be operating correctly as designed.

Best to buy the best turntable & arm he can afford and a starter cartridge.

There are plenty of good starter cartridges available new from Audiotechnica, Grado, Nagaoka, Ortofon etc.