Dr. Feickert Blackbird

Thank you everyone!

@elliottbnewcombjr I too love the Luxman and Thorens tables. I looked long and hard at those. Most of my equipment in the past has been from the 70's including Nakamichi, Klipsch, Thorens, and AR. I think I need to move into this decade, but I am still emotionally attached. If I had the duckets I would get both a new  table and that Luxman, TD 124 or Garrard 301.

@rsf507 I think you have me on your advice. I had looked at that Kuzma table, but never circled back. Since I love the vintage look, I'm thinking that with the right plinth it could look very Garrard-like. Definitely leaning that way. I even like it with the wings on both sides. If the wood plinth only allows for one, maybe there will be the ability to upgrade to a larger plinth later.

@rdk777 Agreed that would be a great end-game.

Again thanks all! You got me off the fence. I'm excited! 

Eddie

Thanks again, this is all amazing feedback. I know that the arm is even more critical than the table...and the cart even more critical.

My original thought for the first arm was the 4Point 9, but now I think I have more research to do. My plan was to upgrade from my first arm and move the first arm to the second position. I like the idea of a removable headshell for Mono or a second less expensive cart for scratchy records that I still love.

I was very curious about the Soundsmith Alto designed by Frank Schroder. Has anyone had experience with this arm?

@alan60 The VIV Labs tonearm is one crazy arm. I am very intrigued!! It also solves the 2 arm problem as it doesn't need to be on the plinth. Good news is we have a lot of great choices right now.

@elliottbnewcombjr Congratulations on that find. Seems like a keeper!

@rsf507 It's great that you were able to A/B these two tables. I'm definitely leaning toward Kuzma. I am trying not to fold and go vintage. I have vintage motorcycles and there is always something that needs attention. I just want to sit and listen to my music.

Again, I appreciate all these points of view. Like a beach ball different points of view show differing colors.

@elliottbnewcombjr You make several good points. Yes, Mono and yes a cart that I don’t have to worry about on more worn records that I still love. 2-3 arms and no fuss. Ready, steady, go!

@rooze Yes, OL is still no my list. Others have offered how versatile, clean and easy they are as well.

@karl_desch Thank you for expressing it that way. My daughter loves guacamole and peas. Can’t stand them myself. Different tastes in food, wine, music, art, cigars, and especially what you want out of the music.

My goal is not to find the best quality sound possible, my goal is to see how great I can get my existing speakers to sound. I may eventually change them out, but I want to see how far I can go with them, between a great source, cables, room treatment, upgraded crossover, isolation, tweeks, etc.

I am emotionally attached to these Belle Klipsch speakers and they are sounding pretty damn good right now. I am only the current caretaker of these non-numbered speakers No serial numbers. They were a gift from PK to my friends aunt. She ran the Motel in Hope Arkansas. The Japanese and other guests would stay at her motel while visiting the factory. My friend inherited them from her and cannot keep them. He traded them to me for a pair of Heresys. My goal is to see how great I can make them while enjoying the path and music along the way. Right now I love them, they sound so much better than when I began the journey. They have come alive! Can’t wait to see even more improvement with a better TT, arm and cart.

I still have the first album I bought in 1975. Black Sabbath, Masters of Reality. I currently have over 3000 albums plus 78’s and 45’s to play with, hence the desire for variety. I have the ability to put together a stand-alone 78 player and stand-alone Garrard 45 changer. It’s the 33’s that need the upgrade.

Thanks again this has been an eye-opening discussion for me, giving me more avenues to pursue.