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Reasonable tube phono stage for Oracle Alexandria?

Hello all,

I have an Oracle Alexandria with Sumiko MMT and Bluepoint cartridge. Currently using the internal phono stage of my Unison Research Unico, however, this has become an intolerable limiting factor and I feel it is time to upgrade. I am interested in tubes but am at a complete loss as to what might be a reasonably-priced phono stage for this set up or if tubes are even the most appropriate way to go here. I do know that any phonostage I purchase should accomodate both MM and MC cartridges since I experiment with both regularly. And as long as I have your attention, does anyone have any experience with or opinions on suitable tonearm upgrades since that project is looming as well? Any suggestions, experiences, or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
rickk

Showing 1 response by newbee

newbee
4,795 posts
 
Your Oracle Alexander/MMT set up is an extremely cost effective combo as it is, assuming that you have it is operating properly and set up well. You really won't get any kind of major improvement by getting a new tone arm. (I have owned this system for the past 10+ years and it competes with my Delphi, but doesn't best it).

Re phono stage, if you are going to get a MC cartridge be sure your phono stage allows you to adjust the load or matching cartridges will be a crap shoot. Personally I like the EAR 834P, but it might be a tad more costly than your budget.

In selecting a cartridge be sure to match the mass of the tone arm to the comnpliance of the cartridge. The MMT is a medium mass arm and your cartridge compliance should not be too high or low. FWIW I use a Micro Benz Glider on my Alexander.
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