Dr. Feickert Woodpecker Turntable w/Kuzma Arm, Power Supply and New Sumiko Celebration 40 MC Cartridge

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General:
Crazy nice build based on the highly reviewed Dr. Feickert Woodpecker platform. 

Includes a brand new Sumiko Celebration 40 MC (Moving-Coil) cartridge mounted using our 12 Step Calibration process. which is a perfect match in price/performance. Other desirable cartridges like the Hana Red and Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation are also available. 

Tonearm is the coveted 12" Stogi S 12 from Kuzma which is a delight to operate and adjust using the VTA tower. 

Additional upgrades include the Dr. Feickert linear power supply for absolute dead quiet operation. 

This 'table will arrive ready to rock and roll in under 15 minutes. You'll place the arm on top of the pivot, put on the platter/belt, and that's it! 

All of this is looking and working like new. 

“Given the Woodpecker’s ability to work well with cartridges far more expensive and capable than what would normally be installed, it could possibly serve its owner far into the future.” - Andre Jennings, The Absolute Sound

“It has superb timing, imaging and tonal resolution. More importantly it does serious bass. These impressive sonic qualities combine with very high build and finish to make a highly desirable turntable.” - Jason Kennedy, Techradar

More from Dr. Fieckert:
The idea
… was built out of customers‘ enquiries. Most peoples‘ association of a turntable is a wooden box, platter and tonearm - that‘s it. And here we go: Have a look at our idea of such a design. With the very high level of performance already given from the older models the only difference should be the appearance.

The mission
… was not simple. From the very beginning it was clear that we want to excel our older products transferring their virtues into a traditional chassis. So we were looking for new ways to reach this goal and get the results we were looking for …

After a lot of refinement we found a way to get correct interaction of only one mass layer with the chassis. At the same time our focus was on „ease of use“ with features like the sliding armbase with pivot-spindle scale. This approach allows you to change tonearms within a couple of minutes and imagine how easy it can be to set up a tonearm this way …

The result
… is a new design on its own - timeless elegance meets excellent sound. Refining our well-proven bearing design, platter and high torque motor, we bettered the virtues of our old models in a compact chassis. Needless to say that motor electronics was newly developed from scratch to match this new approach in a perfect way.

The sound
… will leave you stunned – no matter which tonearm you are planning to use (the sliding-base allows you to mount nearly all available tonearms from 9 up to 12 inches). Relax, listen to pure music and forget about the technology behind.

Cosmetic Condition:
9/10 = Excellent. Perfect physical condition, gently used. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects

Testing Process:
First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:
• Pivot to Spindle Adjustment
• Tracing Force
• Anti-Skate
• Tonearm Height
• Lifter Height
• VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.