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Review: Oracle Audio Alexandria Turntable

Category: Analog

This review is for the first generation Oracle Alexandria Turntable. Not the MK II or MK III or subsequent variants of this legendary turntable.

When the orginal Delphi came out it was a must have for any audiophile. It was truly state of the art. But I just could not justify the cost at the time. However a few years later the Alexandria came on the scene and for me that was much more like it. Not only in price but the Alexandria was in convential presentation.

It immediatley replaced my Acoustic Research ES 1. The sonic differences between the two were actually beyond comparision. It was like the difference between a Corvette and a Ferrari. Both very worthy,but the Ferrari is a true thoroughbred. Opted for the Sumiko Premier FT 3 arm. Have had many cartridges on this and none have disappointed. The Sumiko Blue Point now resides and the combination is truly stellar. This combination has prompted me to listen to some analog recordings I have not heard in a very long time.

The Oracle Alexandria coupled with this arm produces a sonic nirvana that is nothing short of spectacular. All the timbres of the music ranch are faithfully reproduced. And piano solos are just breath taking to say the least.

Is the Oracle Alexandria still state of the art?? In my view it is just as fresh and inspiring as it was 17 years ago. And the good part Oracle is still in business so service is readily available. Doubt if you will need it,the Alexandria is built superbly. There may be better out there,but at its price point in the secondary market it is a true bargain of high end audio.

Associated gear
Click to view my Virtual System

Similar products
AR ES1,Thorens,Dual,Harman Kardon,etc

ferrari
13 responses Add your response
2channel8
758 posts
 
If anyone is still reading this, I'd like to know if anyone has heard the MK II and the MK III and if there is much difference.

I have a MK II (Jacques Reindeau of Oracle informed me that the MK I never really existed, so you've all been promoted to MK II) with a Sumiko Premier MMT arm. It's the star of my humble system. I alternate between a Shure V15 RS SAS and a Denon DL-301 II. Delicious!
harleys_dog
2 posts
 
Nice comments. I have one too, with a SME 309/Grado Signature8 cartridge. If any have a MkI or II, the stock arm (when available) was an Oracle "Prelude". It was (and still is) a piece of junk. Take it off and pitch it. A Sumiko MMT, FT3 or Rega RB250/300 or similar or Linn Akito II, Audioquest, etc are worlds better. Oracle gave up on the Prelude, and subsequently spec'd an OEM arm from SME, called the Oracle/SME 345 arm. It had/has the removeable headshell of a III (as in 309, not the original IIIs), the bearings fron the IV, and the internal wiring from a V. Apparently the subchassis can warp over time, but I've had mine for over 20 years and it hasn't. The motors are almost impossible to replace, as Oracle uses a different style now, but one form a Paris may work (I don't know). My table has the optional "Dynamic Stabilizer" , essentially a voltage regulator and capacitor bank.
harleys_dog
2 posts
 
Nice comments. I have one too, with a SME 309/Grado Signature8 cartridge. If any have a MkI or II, the stock arm (when available) was an Oracle "Prelude". It was (and still is) a piece of junk. Take it off and pitch it. A Sumiko MMT, FT3 or Rega RB250/300 or similar or Linn Akito II, Audioquest, etc are worlds better. Oracle gave up on the Prelude, and subsequently spec'd an OEM arm from SME, called the Oracle/SME 345 arm. It had/has the removeable headshell of a III (as in 309, not the original IIIs), the bearings fron the IV, and the internal wiring from a V. Apparently the subchassis can warp over time, but I've had mine for over 20 years and it hasn't. The motors are almost impossible to replace, as Oracle uses a different style now, but one form a Paris may work (I don't know). My table has the optional "Dynamic Stabilizer" , essentially a voltage regulator and capacitor bank.
ferrari OP
617 posts
 
If it is in original carton, hopefully the set up manual is included. This one can be a bit frustrating if unfamiliar with suspended turntables. I would say visit www.vinylengine.com website as there may be a set up guide there. If not there is plenty of folks there that can help you.
maranas
1 posts
 
I'm a newbee to the vinyl world. i will be acquiring an oracle alexandria (i believe, 1st generation) stock. The TT will be delivered to me disassembled in its original box. When i assemble the TT, do i need to configure the TT? If so, can you please tell me what configuration is/are needed and how to do so.

thanks
columbo
1 posts
 
I got mine when they first came out. Unfortunatly, I have not used it for 10 years!! That's another story. I don't know what arm it came with already mounted "out of the box." Anyway, the cue mechanism went bad after a few years of moderate use. The arm would not stay down!! The little ratchet was made of soft material and wore out. I paid a shop to fix it by filing a new edge, and it worked for a few months, then the same thing happened. So the shop REMOVED the guts of the cue mechanism and called it an "upgrade" in sound. It's been way too long since I've had my high-end stuff set up. This site just reminded me that I need to do that!!
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
well said ferrari....the alexandria (and the paris) just keep looking better and better....and sounding better and better.......
tomnyc73-fd6c
1 posts
 
where can I get a motor repair/replacement for my oracle alexandria? many thanks !
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
I had that table many years ago and enjoyed it. The cost wasn't bad for what the buyer got, but since then a lot of really good tables have come onto the market. I sold mine about ten years ago. I replaced it with a Sota, and then upgraded to a better Sota.

The Oracle is good to a point, but it isn't state of the art anymore.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
I agree with you re the value of this table and arm combo - I've used the exact combo in a second system for the past 15(?) years. Great value and dammed good sound. Mine came with a "black box" which was supposed to smoothout the fluctuations in prower from the PS. FWIW, in my set up it sounds better, and is spot on, without it!
zenscott
1 posts
 
Hi,
Can the signet tonearm be used with this turntable?
Thanks. Scott
ferrari OP
617 posts
 
Have found a list of some 39 different tone arms that the Alexandria will accomodate. Way to many to list here. So drop me an a Mail should you need to know if the arm you have will work on the Alexandria.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I have a quick question about this TT:
What are the arms you can play arround for Oracle Alexandria?
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