Dr. Feickert's reference turntable: three motors in an equilateral triangle, two 12-inch tonearm capability, all-new electronics and an integrated protractor. The Firebird refines the concepts proven on the Woodpecker and Blackbird. Handling two 12-inch tonearms was a principal design parameter, along with simplifying setup and alignment, and the form factor, fit and finish were reworked in the process. Tonally it is the pinnacle of the range and Dr. Feickert's own reference deck. Rather than modify the Woodpecker and Blackbird electronics, the company started again: new hardware, completely rewritten software, and multi-motor operation taken further than before. Running three motors, the only geometry that really makes sense is the equilateral triangle. The Blackbird already showed how much reduced drag on the bearing helps; the triangle betters it, stabilising the bearing and platter assembly by cancelling every acting force so that all tendency to gyrate is eliminated. An all-new bearing reduces the contact area between spindle and well by 80 percent, cutting friction, rumble and wow and flutter further still. Setup is easier too. New feet allow a much wider levelling range, the built-in Protractor TT has been improved, and a more refined armboard design makes assembly simpler and more accurate. The right arm slot reaches 345 mm pivot-to-spindle for arms up to 14 inches; an optional left slot takes a second arm up to 12 inches, and the diagonal cut-outs let two 12-inch arms sit in parallel. The sound is a pitch-black background with dynamics both macro and micro, power and stability meeting neutrality. Whatever tonearm and cartridge you choose, the Firebird reveals what they are capable of. Features Three brushless three-phase DC motors in an equilateral triangle, cancelling all reactive forces All-new electronics and rewritten control software developed specifically for this deck Redesigned bearing with 80 percent less contact area between spindle and bearing well Two tonearms: right slot 205-345 mm (9 to 14 inch), optional left slot 205-300 mm (9 to 12 inch) Diagonal cut-outs allow two 12-inch arms to be mounted in parallel Improved built-in Protractor TT for cartridge and tonearm alignment New feet with a much wider levelling range Two-year warranty on chassis and electronics, five years on the bearing Specifications Type: Belt-drive turntable with electronic speed control Motors: Three brushless three-phase DC motors arranged in an equilateral triangle around the platter, driven by a phase-locked-loop controller Speeds: 33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM, electronically selected with fine adjustment Platter: Delrin (POM), 13.2 lbs (approx. 6 kg); optional Inertia platter adds eight solid MS58 brass cylinders and is included in Deluxe packages Bearing: Inverted stainless steel with contact area between spindle and well reduced by 80 percent, oil-lubricated with spiral pumping grooves Chassis: Aluminium top and bottom plates around a thermally treated MDF block, on adjustable vibration-resistant feet with a wide levelling range Finishes: Matte Nextel Black as standard, with Tineo, Zebrano, Walnut, Palisander, gloss white and gloss black available; black or silver plates Armboards: Quick-release. Right slot 205-345 mm pivot-to-spindle (9 to 14 inch effective length); optional left slot 205-300 mm (9 to 12 inch) Tonearms: Two, including two 12-inch arms in parallel Integrated Protractor: Yes — the improved built-in Protractor TT Dimensions: 560 x 460 x 160 mm (22.0″ x 18.1″ x 6.3″) Weight: 23 kg (50.7 lbs) chassis; 29 kg (63.9 lbs) complete without tonearm Power: External 24 V, 500 mA DC supply. The optional Dr. Feickert Linear Power Supply replaces it, and is included in the ORT-12LPSU package Warranty: Two years on chassis and electronics; five years on the bearing Included: Turntable, platter, belt, one armboard and power supply. Cartridge is not included; a tonearm is included only on Deluxe package configurations Note: Dr. Feickert publishes no speed accuracy, wow and flutter or rumble figures for any model in the range Deluxe ORT-12LPSU Package Ortofon AS-309R 12″ tonearm complete with a DIN to RCA cable Ortofon LH-4000 headshell Dr. Feickert Linear Power Supply Inertia platter Optional upgraded finish in wood veneer or high gloss
