I think you can get more table for less money by getting a Linn LP12 Valhalla/Ittok. During the '80s when I worked at an audio shop, several dozen Oracle owners over several years, brought their Oracles in to compare to the LP12. None ever topped the LP12. Now, I admit we were playing in our showroom, with Naim electronics and Linn DMS speakers, but, source-vs-source, that's how it always came out. Even at best, it is a close call, and the Linn can be bought used for considerably less money. With the Valhalla version, I never found the setup to be very fussy. It is a very good table for very low cost on the used market. It doesn't look as flashy, but it plays very well. If you want a flashier looking table that will easily beat out the LP12 or the Oracle, look at the Teres Audio website. For $1350 w/o arm, this table will really get your motor running. It looks alot like the Clearaudio Reference, and sounds comparable to it and others in the $6k-$8k range. You have to do a little assembly work and polishing of the acrylic. I now have one of these Teres TT's and it really stomped my Valhalla LP12. The Teres is probably the best new TT for the money that you can buy today. If you don't want to do any assembly/polishing, you can get a fully assembled/polished one for a few hundred dollars extra. They also offer exotic wood bases, if you prefer that over an acrylic base. Also lead-shot weighted platters and bases. And they look really cool. Check out the info and pix at their website, www.teresaudio.com.
Buying a used Oracle Delphi Mk_ ?
Any comments on what to look for and/or to avoid in a used Oracle - or whether to look for or to avoid a used Oracle in the first place? The idea would be to pay a modest price and then to upgrade gradually as the budget welcomed, enjoying the music in the meantime.
Our system hasn't been complete in over a decade, as we moved around too much to 'do it right': A humbly exquisite little modified Dynaco 70 in triode is all there is of it at present; in the past it included a Walker turntable with Audioquest (which we thought were listenable under the circumstances) and Spika T-60 speakers (which we adored). Thank you all for any input you think relevant.
Our system hasn't been complete in over a decade, as we moved around too much to 'do it right': A humbly exquisite little modified Dynaco 70 in triode is all there is of it at present; in the past it included a Walker turntable with Audioquest (which we thought were listenable under the circumstances) and Spika T-60 speakers (which we adored). Thank you all for any input you think relevant.