2. analog
  3. 170012-85395

Reference System TT - Dr. Feickert Analogue or Sota

Putting together a reference system.
Recent equipment purchase: 
Linear Audio Zotl 40 power amp
Don Sach's pream & phono pre
Spatial Audio Lab X5 (open baffle speakers)

Seeking input for a turntable/tonearm/cart upgrade to complete the sysytem. Narrowed TT choices to Dr. Feickert Analogue (Woodpecker or Blackbird) or Sota Nova VI? Tonearm being considered: Kuzma Stabi S12, Thomas Shick, Wand Master. Cart: Kiseki Purle Heart NS SB, Koetsu Rosewood, less expensive choices - Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star ES, Sumiko Starling, dependent on TT/tonearm choice. I currently have and have had for a number of years, a VPI Scout & Benz Micro L2 cart & an ASUSA Tube Phono-Pre (it is kit). 

Listening preference 70-80's R&B, jazz (traditional & contemporary), soft rock infrequent but listen to most music genries at some point. 
Hopefully, there'll be those familiar with the noted TT's, tonearms and carts to provide input. Finding audio dealers in my area to audition the equipment choices I'm considering is a big challenge, if not impossible. This is my first steps from mid-fi into high-end equipment. Respect the discussions of fellow audio lovers. Your input, insights and experiences input is greatly appreciated.

Still Bill              
wah8dy

Showing 4 responses by rauliruegas

rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear @sbank  : Nice to meet you again. Now, the OP budget goes up to 25K and the SME 15 new comes by 15.5K and the remaining money will cover the cartridge. So the OP can pull the triger inside his budget.

Look here at reatil price

https://store.acousticsounds.com/d/101890/SME-Turntable_Model_15-Turntables

and exist other buy options for him as these ones:

https://www.choicehifi.com/product/sme-model-15a-2/

https://reverb.com/item/42659070-sme-turntable-model-15a?gspk=SGlmaXNoYXJrLVJldmVyYg%3D%3D&utm_c...

R.




rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear @mijostyn : Well the Reflex clamp comes with  or at least is used along the SOTA TTs.  Now, a Reflex clamp does not works with the vacuum it's that does not operates with but what works is a record weigth ( that was I posted " record weigth " and not Reflex clamp. ) that is what I used with the after market AT vacuum tool in other TTs.

Btw, obviously that the TT is not a transducer but obviously, like it or not, puts its own " color " to the transducer through its  not avoided resonances/developed micro vibrations: we can't totally isolate the TT from the arm/transducer combo. Is part of the analog imperfect world.

R.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear @jperry : I’m with you about " the SOTA is not as dynamic sounding." "

I was an owner too and I had mounted the ET LT tonearm where in those times this combo was something as the " fashion " and in those times I owned very good cartridges.

Yes SOTA TTs are good but for me SME are way superior TT with and engineering design second to none and with a build quality levels that could be missed in even top $$$$ TTs.
We have to remember that SME was only an small company part of manufacturer group that works in the automotive and aero space industry. SME was almost a side line for that group.

I listened several times the SME 20 and 30 but no money to buy it.

The model 15A is a real deal for any one interested in TTs where ( between other things ) its suspension ( take it from the 20/30 models. ) and its new designed controller makes the 15A just a " keeper ".

I seen your LP mounted in the SME 10 so you have experience with. Probably you need to listen the 15A in a know environment to you.


@mijostyn , "" Record weight does not matter anymore. ""

Are you kidding. did you tested with the vacuum and the record weigth atop?

R.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear @wah8dy : Well this is my overall choice for you:

https://sme.co.uk/audio/product/model-15/  this is not an up-grade for the 10 or 12 TT models but something really near to SME top TTs as the 30/20 and comes with its top rated SME magnesium build tonearm.

Here a review:

http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/sme-model-15a-turntable/

My cartridge alternative comes by Ortofon:

https://www.ortofon.com/mc-verismo-p-988-n-1579

look on those two pictures where the cartridge is mounted in an SME tonearm that was choosed by Ortofon to shows the Verissimo at its site.

You can't go wrong with.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
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