Feickert Blackbird vs Clearaudio Ovation vs Origin Live Sovreign

[lightmentat]

I'm currently looking to upgrade my Rega Planar 8. I'm trying to decide between the following tables:

Feickert Trio or Blackbird

Clearaudio Ovation

Origin Live Sovereign Mk4

I have already settled on a tonearm which will be the Origin Live Enterprise and I will continue using my Soundmith Paua cartridge. I'm currently leaning towards getting the Ovation for aesthetic reasons, and it is the only table of the 3 that I have actually heard. I'm hoping people who have had experiences with these tables could chime in. The tables have similar price points and if performance are relatively close to each other, I will get the Ovation.

 

[mtemur]

I never liked any Clearaudio turntable even the top of the line statement model. for me any Transrotor is better than it's Clearaudio counterpart but Transrotor is not good either. I basically don't like acrylic turntables maybe that's the main reason. from this point of view Feickert is a better option and I like every model of it.

 

[lightmentat]

I never liked any Clearaudio turntable even the top of the line statement model. for me any Transrotor is better than it's Clearaudio counterpart but Transrotor is not good either. I basically don't like acrylic turntables maybe that's the main reason. from this point of view Feickert is a better option and I like every model of it.

Clearaudio no longer uses acrylic in their higher end models and use polyoxymethylene (POM). Was the platter the only issue you had?

 

[mtemur]

Clearaudio no longer uses acrylic in their higher end models and use polyoxymethylene (POM). Was the platter the only issue you had?

No, I haven't have any issues but in general I don't like the sound of them.

 

[bonzo75]

I never liked any Clearaudio turntable even the top of the line statement model. for me any Transrotor is better than it's Clearaudio counterpart but Transrotor is not good either. I basically don't like acrylic turntables maybe that's the main reason. from this point of view Feickert is a better option and I like every model of it.

Yeah the firebird was quite musical and good value in the used market...I can't generalize about acrylic but I never liked the basis including the basis audio work of art. I thought Bergmann Sindre with the acrylic platter was digital sounding until I heard the linear tracker with red sparrow through sets horns at Bill's and then it was excellent

 

[analyzer]

Yeah the firebird was quite musical and good value in the used market...I can't generalize about acrylic but I never liked the basis including the basis audio work of art. I thought Bergmann Sindre with the acrylic platter was digital sounding until I heard the linear tracker with red sparrow through sets horns at Bill's and then it was excellent

I do have Feickert Blackbird in my system (not the Firebird you mentioned that Is actually the flagship of the line but cost almost the double). It's a very good turntable; quite musical than dynamically explosive.
The chance to use two tonearms is a pleasant facility; Classic design, excellent construction... in the used market I also think that It Will be a good valute for Money in a jungle of many many alternatives.
Just my two cents...

 

[rooze]

I've had two Volares and a Woodpecker with Kuzma 12VTA, a Clearaudio Avantgarde Magnum, and the latest model Origin Live Resolution with all factory available upgrades with the Illustrious 3C arm. Currently, I'm using a Basis Audio Debut Gold Sig with vacuum platter.

Though not the same decks as those on your list, I think they're pretty close enough to chip-in with some thoughts.
I love Dr. Feickert tables. I ran the Woodpecker and OL Resolution side by side for a while into a Manley Steelhead. Two very different sounding decks. The Feickert sound is more weighty and authoritative while the OL Resolution was more detailed and airy. I never cared much for the Clearaudio deck, it was OK but nothing special.
The Basis Audio combines the heft and authority of the Woodpecker with the detail and air of the OL Resolution.
If I had to pick from your list, and given that you've already chosen a fantastic OL arm, I'd jump on the Sovereign Mk4 all day long.

 

[BruceD]

The Feickerts --no contest--the Clearaudio's are dull and rather dead sounding presenters.

I read Naim 's new TT is a Clearaudio product-if the genes are evident, then its Good night nurse there too!

Fit the 4 point on a Feickert and you have first class combo.

BruceD

 

[lightmentat]

I've had two Volares and a Woodpecker with Kuzma 12VTA, a Clearaudio Avantgarde Magnum, and the latest model Origin Live Resolution with all factory available upgrades with the Illustrious 3C arm. Currently, I'm using a Basis Audio Debut Gold Sig with vacuum platter.

Though not the same decks as those on your list, I think they're pretty close enough to chip-in with some thoughts.
I love Dr. Feickert tables. I ran the Woodpecker and OL Resolution side by side for a while into a Manley Steelhead. Two very different sounding decks. The Feickert sound is more weighty and authoritative while the OL Resolution was more detailed and airy. I never cared much for the Clearaudio deck, it was OK but nothing special.
The Basis Audio combines the heft and authority of the Woodpecker with the detail and air of the OL Resolution.
If I had to pick from your list, and given that you've already chosen a fantastic OL arm, I'd jump on the Sovereign Mk4 all day long.

Thanks for the comprehensive response. I placed order for sovereign.

 

[drrsutliff]

Congratulations. Look forward to your impressions when it is received. Currently enjoying a OL Sovereign MK3-2 with dual arm board option. Mounted is an Enterprise MK4 with Miyajima Madake and a Illustrious MK3c with the Ortofon Windfeld Ti.

 

[lightmentat]

So have had the Origin Sovereign Special for a few months now. I am extremely pleased with it. I mated it with a Audiomod Series 6 tonearm and Soundsmith Sussuro cartridge. Compared to my old Rega Planar 8, everything is just better especially the bottom end. There is more solidity to the sound and a bit more coherence in the music. The Origin and Audiomod combo has also been relatively fuss free. I don't have any problems with noise. After months of contemplation and indecision, I am really happy with my decision and this an end game table for me. I might upgrade tonearm in the future, but table will always remain. Thanks everyone for feedback. I have attached pictures (you will see that polished Audiomod arm fits this table perfectly). I didn't think much about this when ordering but the blue light from the optical speed control definitely adds to the cool factor.