VIP, SOTA & Oracle Turntables


Can these turntables from the late 1980's and 1990's be upgraded to more recent standards? I am planning to purchase one of these turntables for use in my audio system. Since I can't afford to purchase new, my plan is to purchase a used turntable and arm for upgrade later when I have extra cash.

My present system consistes of the:

1. Threshold S/300
2. Classe DR-5 pre-amp
3. DAC
4. Parasound 2000 CD transport
5. Upgraded cables and interconnects
6. Mirage M-09 speakers to be upgraded to Maggies 1.6. I presently listen to CD's but really want to begin pulling our some of my classical and jazz albums. All advice will be welcomed. Thanks very much.
rbwinterlink

Showing 2 responses by countingbackwards

I've not heard a SOTA, but have heard Oracle Delphi's of various vintages, VPI Scout-series and HW-19 series tables. The Delphi is much more to my liking than the VPI's due to its more lively/involving presentation.
Oh, and to answer the actual question, any Delphi can be updated to present specs (Mk. V) - the newer it is, the less expensive the updates. But the most expensive update is the Mk. V motor/plinth combo @ ~$1.5K. That one is really only necessary if the motor has a problem, the rest are more likely to improve sonics on a better value for dollar basis...

The VPI's are a bit tougher, as not all parts are available from VPI anymore on the HW-19 series, however all Scouts can be upgraded to higher models.