If any Alex fans are still out there, has anyone tried replacing the Groove Isolator with the new acrylic mat? The thing costs over $250. I won't buy it without hearing that it makes a big difference.
Oracle Alexandria Question
My brother's old Garrard has died, he has a sizeable record collection and wants to spend about $5-700 for a decent TT, arm and cartridge. I've pointed him to the Rega and MMF models, but my dealer has a nice-looking used Oracle Alexandria for sale which, with a nice cartridge, will fit in that price range. Sonically, I would expect it to better most of the newer tables I mentioned, judging from the reports in the archives. My only concern will be reliability (there was mention in one thread about a warped base or something like that?). Any owners out there who can comment? Also, any thoughts on a cartridge (I think this one has an Oracle arm, and my brother uses a Marantz receiver which probably will only take a MM design)? Thanks for any input.