Oracle Alexandria + Premier MMT = ?????


I have a dead Oracle Alexandria with a Premier MMT tonearm. I have figured out that the problem isn't the external power supply which, while shattered, still puts out the appropriate voltage. So, it's likely either the switch or the motor. I recall having problems with that switch in the past, so hopefully, that's the issue.

At any rate, it needs a new power supply, which is $85 + shipping. Having a tech assess whether the switch or the motor is broken will cost (at least) $75. Then, I'll need to replace what's broken, which could presumably cost $100-$300. In other words, I'm looking at probably $300-$500 to get this turntable working again, at which won't be even close to "mint". (Scratched dustcover, mostly.)

So, I'm wondering if I should just sell it for parts and grab something in the sub-$1,000 range? Are any of the usual suspects (Rega RP3, Music Hall MMF-5.1SE, Pro-ject Xpression, SOTA Moonbeam, Thorens, etc.) up to the quality of the Alexandria with the MMT tonearm? Should I just get this thing fixed?

Any thoughts on the overall quality of this system would be greatly appreciated.
ja2austintx

Showing 3 responses by ja2austintx

Thanks. I can probably rescue the dust cover to my liking with some acrylic polish. I never expected this setup to meet SOTA Sapphire standards, but I have no idea how it might stack up to the other TTs I mentioned.

By the way, that's not my Alexandria for sale. I don't want to buy it, since I don't yet know the repair costs on mine. I suspect I could do better for $700, regardless.

Thanks again . . .
When you talk about "new wood top units" are you saying there were versions with a completely wooden plinth? Mine is almost all aluminum (?) with wood trim.
Fantastic information, Sgr. You're from my original neck of the woods, too. (I was born at St. Luke's and lived in U-City until moving to Rolla as a pup.)