Input on a Cider starter

Just curious to know how many cider makers use starters? I am prepping up to do edworts famous apfelwine and going to use a knottingham yeast this round. I have had trouble before with this same yeast as was curious to know if setting up a starter a few days in advance would be a better advantage...as for my starter i am thinking some AJ that i am using for the batch, some dextrose and a packet of knottingham....let it go like mad for a few days then pitch to my batch.
any input?

You don't need a starter with dry yeast... Just rehydrate it per the instructions.

I like to make a starter for every fermentation. Regards, GF.