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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
mglik
901 posts
 
IME, #2 option sort of. Technics SL1200g TT wt arm, the top Hana cart and a Zesto Andros phono stage.
However, if you can afford better, I would invest in the best cart you can. The Technics TT is a great unit to build on.
But to pull out info in the grove, the best cart you can afford.
My new cart is the most amazing upgrade I have ever done.
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,766 posts
 
For a HiFi Enthusiast, there is a lot of excitement in the in the prospect of creating a Vinyl Source and chain in a System.

You are fortunate to have been loaned a TT Set Up that has a well received appraisal and should be quite capable of showing a very good 
presentation in a comparison to your Digital Set Up.

The budget that allows for an allocation of 10K to acquire your Vinyl Set Up is quite substantial and leaves you wide open to many permutations, from Cartridge through to Phonostage.
If used Items are considered the list of options is extremely broad.

You are totally satisfied with your digital set up, so no requirements are urgent to get you enjoying music.
As for the Vinyl, try out a variety of TT's before committing.
Belt Drives, Direct Drives, Idler Drives.
An hour or so around each Type, should help you discover your leanings toward a preferred presentation from a Motor Drive.
By arranging to try out a selection TT's you will naturally be introduced to various Tonearms and Cartridges and this will increase on your experiences with options on the TT Set Up.   
Using ones own ears, and taking the time to spend meeting with others and conversing, will also be a great way to gather experiences and understand the reasons why a individual is using the equipment you are having a demonstration of.
Your own assessments prior to a purchase, will be critical to feeling you got absolute value from your allocation of funds.  
greenhorn20 OP
19 posts
 
Thanks again for the great feedback!
grk
220 posts
 
It looks like you have a budget of $10K. How long will it take you to have that amount? If you are close, then consider waiting a bit until you get more money, as opposed to buying something now and then upgrading later. The incremental approach while providing instant gratification does end up costing you more over the long run. I speak from experience!
Also, don't forget about the phono stage for your budget, as it plays a critical role in how good your analog rig will sound.
Since you are already considering an Origin Live (OL) tonearm, why not get one of their turntables as well, since they are made to go with each other? That would eliminate one concern about turntable and arm compatibility. The OL website also contains recommendations on how one can or should allocate funds when assembling an analog system.

If it were me, I would spend less on the cartridge and more on the turnatble, tonearm and phono stage. It's relatively easy to upgrade the cartridge later on. I have seen a number of articles where the reviewer uses a relatively inexpensive cartridge with a much more expensive table and arm with excellent sound quality.

I don't want to confuse you with all of the myriad of turntables and tonearms out there, but, have you considered a turntable that comes with a tonearm, such as the Vertere DG-1, Well Tempered or EAT? Also, a lot of dealers will provide a discount on a table, arm and cartridge package.

Anyway, good luck assembling your new analog system!

greenhorn20 OP
19 posts
 
@grk thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience, it’s appreciated.

The budget is there, have saved up for some time already, the plan was always to upgrade the dac, since it is the weakest link within my chain. But as mentioned the wish for a turntable came up. And the Dr. Feickert Volare loaner didn’t make things easier at all. :-)
The dealer I am referring to is very close to where I am living. Sometimes I‘ll visit him and we just sitting there talk and listen to some records, or digital stuff. And since I have a job where a lot of fine mechanics with tight tolerances are involved, I always was amazed by those beautiful tt. 
Yes, I agree as well, I‘ll hate buying two times my self. If I go the route with the turntable setup, the wisest would be, to have more patience and save up more to get it right the first time. 
Meanwhile I‘am enjoying the Rockna Wavelight dac. My AADAC is already a good one, but the Rockna is clearly a step above and really showing that the AADAC is the weakest link. 
I‘ll wait until my local dealer has everything in stock, then I‘ll decide.

The only three brands he has, within my price range, most stuff costs even more, is Gold Note, Acoustic Signatur and Dr. Feickert.
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