dr feikert
both the blackbird and the firebird provide for an optional 2nd arm in the future if ..
https://www.feickert.de/en/turntables.html
How do I choose a phono preamp?
I’ve not owned a turntable in almost 40 years and want to start listening to vinyl again. Im starting from scratch and hope to get guidance on how to select a preamp and table that will likely be the last one I own. My current equipment includes and BAT VK-60, an Eversolo A8 Streamer, a BAT VK-52SE preamp, a Revox Reel to Reel and a pair of Martin Logan CLS-1s. I will soon be adding a second VK-60 and will convert the amps to mono.
I know nothing about phono preamp, turntables, or cartridges. Where do I start? Budget is around $15k USD for all and I don’t mind purchasing used equipment. I’d appreciate any thoughts.
- ...
- 65 posts total
VPI https://www.vpiindustries.com/products Their Unipivot Arms are designed to simply disconnect a mini-din connector and lift off. You can have a few arm wands with a variety of cartridges pre-mounted, i.e. two: 1 Stereo, one Mono ready to use, I’ve seen/heard Steve Leung’s prior VPI setup at VAS, he has a collection of arms and cartridges, he demo’s his cartridges and/or your rebuilt cartridge for you if you pick it up. Your dealer could mount, align, and all you would need to do is adjust the tracking weight yourself, and anti-skate. Perhaps Dr. Feikert is a better choice, let the dealer add a second arm and you just pick one. IF you think you might, then you need to solve how you pick which arm.
|
You might ask your dealer if he would service a Luxman PD-444 at your home for you if you bought one. That is my pick of all the ideas I have blabbed about.
https://skyfiaudio.com/products/luxman-pd444-vintage-turntable-w-new-lyra-delos-mc-cartridge I just noticed, it's 120v version, so no need for a 100/120 v transformer like I need for my JVC TT81 which is 100v version. |
Technics turntables are the most simple and solid turntables. Very well made with a removable headshell that makes trying other cartridges a breeze. PS Audio Stellar Phono is fantastic. The used market should have one for $1500ish. Many great cartridges. Ortofon is solid. $5000 should get you started very nicely. |
I gather from lewms comments that your speakers are excellent. How to pick a cartridge: https://www.leson.org/choose-phono-cartridge/ Aside from the tonal characteristics people try to write about I advise paying attention to 1. IMAGING. Both WIDE channel separation (high 20’s, even low 30’s), and TIGHT channel balance (1.0 db, even 0.5db) are needed to properly present the Phantom Imaging the engineers put in the grooves. 2. TRACKING FORCE. the published imaging specs were achieved at heavier or lighter tracking force? Lighter is preferred due to: a. stylus life, lighter will last longer b. lp groove wear. successfully tracking lighter will be less wear. c. anti-skate. amount of force required is related to tracking force 3. STYLUS PROFILE, see link above 4. CANTILEVER MATERIAL, see link above |
- 65 posts total