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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
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
I am in Seattle. Whilst I sell my own lines I also am happy to chat about setup etc. should you like...
stantheman2 OP
8 posts
 
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!
ocean2059
20 posts
 
@stantheman2, I am so glad that you went for the Dr. Feickert Volare and are happy with it. Your experience mirrors mine, almost exactly. IMHO, Dr. Feichert Volare combined with Hana ML offers a great value in its price segment.
sokogear
1,053 posts
 
@stantheman2 - you never mentioned your phono stage. Did you compare the P8 with its fantastic arm to the Feickert? It would have saved you a few bucks. Glad to hear you are hearing an improvement over the RP6 which is not surprising.
stantheman2 OP
8 posts
 
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.  
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