turntable recommendations


I'm currently running a rega rp6 with a groovetracer subplatter and a dynavector 20x2 cartridge.  I quite like it, but Upgradeitis has set in.    My goal is to get a  noticeable improvement without breaking the bank, say $5 K absolute tops.  I prefer new.    Based on my search to date, my current finalists are a rega p8 with apheta 3, or a dr. feikert volare with Origin silver mk3a tonearm and a hana ml.   Others I seriously considered are a clearaudio performance DC wood or a VPI prime, but with those I would have to put the Dynavector on it to stay under budget and it already has high hours on it.  None of these choices are available to demo in my area (Seattle) so I'm reaching out to my audiophile brethren for your experience, to better inform my decision.  
stantheman2

Showing 5 responses by stantheman2

it's not that don't like my current setup.  It's more that I'm drawn to the potential for a very noticeable improvement in overall quality of the sound and musical experience.  For example, reviews of rega TTs say the current P3 is better than my RP6, and the P8 is major step up in transparency, detail, etc. from the current P6.  From what i have read, the volare offers a similar potential step up, but with like with different characteristics.  So, I am looking for some informed opinions/experiences from readers to this forum to help guide me.  
Update from OP:  Thanks to all for the good, thoughtful replies. I finally ordered a Feikert Volare turntable (walnut) with Origin Live Silver Mk 3A tonearm and Hana ML cartridge from Upscale Audio, who I thought gave me  a good price.  Should arrive next week - I'll post first impressions. 
FYI, whoever suggested HiFi Heaven, was spot on.  They offered very, good trade-in prices on some gear I am selling on to offset the purchase price of the new turntable - in their case, it would have been to purchase a Rega P10 with Alpheta III cartridge.   The Feikert just appealed to me more, and total cost was $2K less.  
Also FYI, Upscale Audio didn't seem interested in my used gear - they didn't offer near as much for trade-in, and discouraged me from trading anything in to them; your mileage may vary, of course.    

I'm the OP - bought the Feikert Volare turntable.  I've had it a week, and here are my impressions:  Great turntable! I bought the Feikert Volare with Origin Live Silver Mk 3A tonearm and Hana ML cartridge. I was running a Rega RP6 with a Dynavector 20X2H -no slouch of a setup - and had some lingering concern that the difference would not be worth it. Boy, was I wrong - the Feikert/Origin/Hana combo is a MAJOR improvement in every way. First, the Feikert is dead quiet - deep black backgrounds. Next, the separation of instruments and voices is considerably better. the classic "I'm hearing distinct new instruments that I never heard before!" Third, detail. I listen to a lot of acoustic music, and for the first time I can really hear the fingering on an acoustic guitar or bass, and I can hear the bow scraping across the strings of a cello or violin. Yet there is no edginess - it simply sounds more complete, more "right". Fourth, impact - transients are quicker and drums are more impactful. Overall, I'm shocked at how much better vinyl sounds overall through the Feikert combo. Highly, Highly, Highly recommended!
I am using  a music fidelity MX-VYNL phono stage with an SBooster DC power supply.  Re the P8, I have heard the P8; in that setup, I did not hear a major improvement form my RP6 setup.  The challenge in comparing turntables or other gear has always been  - different cartridge, different electronics, different cables, different speakers, different room, etc.  Particularly more challenging these days.  So, hear what you can,  do your research, and make the best informed decision you can.  I am extremely satisfied with my choice.  Finally, I was able to negotiate so there was essentially no cost difference between the Rega and Feikert setups.  
I get that you really like Rega and Rega arms. I possibly could have put a Rega arm on the Feikert.  FYI, Origin started out modding Rega arms; the dealer described the Origin arm as sounding like a hot-rodded Rega arm; the Origin arm gets outstanding reviews on line; and other posters on this thread who heard the Feikert with the Origin arm think it's a great combo.   
I heard the P8 for 15 minutes at a dealer in a small room crammed with other gear - far from an ideal environment.  That said, I was not immediately "wowed" by it, whereas I was "wowed" by the Feikert in my system from the minute I put on the first album.