2. analog
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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
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
Nice system!
To echo a few others:

Turntable - invest here first

Tonearm and cart should be considered together. ( the Viv Lab does seem to work with most all carts so that is interesting...)


Can you listen /  demo any other tables to develop your personal tastes at all? Like a direct drive option and an idler drive option? The more you learn about your preferences the better.



$10k is a great budget for table arm carts and maybe phono too if you buy second hand etc...
greenhorn20 OP
19 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts and experience!

I‘m on the go now, will answering later that day with more time.
clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 
@chakster 
There is no such thing as new/old stock in cartridges.  All the materials used for suspensions harden over time by drying out or oxidation.

The suspension on an unused cart that is 20-30 years old will have hardened to the point where it is pretty well solid.

Such a cartridge requires a new replacement suspension and possibly other parts according to model. With some manufacturers now out of business this may be impossible without specialist fabrication of a like for like replacement.

Frankly it is a much better deal to buy a cart of recent manufacture.
greenhorn20 OP
19 posts
 
So, went this morning to the local dealer. Since my complete setup is from him, we know us pretty well by now. He is a absolutely honest, trustworthy and very professional guy.

He echoed some of the thoughts you have already shared with me.

First off all he recommended me, since I start only with a handful of records, to finish my digital chain. He loves vinyl to death, he understands my itch to go parallel analog. If I get a new DAC and the wish to go analog doesn’t disappear, I should start to collect records ahead. This makes things easier. 

He suggested 3 DAC‘s: Aries Cerat Helene, Rockna Wavedream Signature and Lumin X1. 
Helene and X1 I heard already some month ago at his store.

Right now he doesn’t have all three in stock, but when he does, he visit me at home with all three of them. We listen for a evening together, I can choose one, keep it for a week to make up my mind and decide then.

If I  keep my AA DAC and choose to go analog, he says,  getting the table and arm as best I could afford, and build the rest around it with time.

Meanwhile he loaned me a Rockna Wavelight.

Lucky me to have a dealer like this near by!


sgreg1
612 posts
 
Here is the link for SOTA. Call them and tell them what you are looking for. They can put together everything for you

https://sotaturntables.com/
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