2. analog
  3. 1111970502

Oracle Alexandria - time for new springs?

Hi,

I recently went through and readjusted the suspension on my Oracle Alexandria turntable according to the manual. When set up "properly," two of the three spring covers no longer fit into place as the springs are protruding too far above the deck. Everything sounds fine but this thing with the spring covers is a real drag. I bought the table used and it came with the Sumiko MMT tonearm and [ugly] head shell. I am using an older Sumiko Blue Point cartridge. I am wondering if this is a sign that the springs are bad and need to be replaced. I've always assumed that it has the correct type of springs since the tonearm is standard; maybe not. Anyone have any experience with, or ideas about, such suspension table problems?

Thanks,
rickk
newbee
4,767 posts
 
How far off of the plinth is the bottom of the TT platter? Is it the distance spec'ed out in the manual? I've never had this problem and really can't imagine how it would occur.
rickk OP
15 posts
 
The bottom of the platter is just under a 1/4" from the plinth. The manual specified 3/8" but that seemed really high when I set it up that way and caused all three spring covers not to fit. I lowered it to the present distance and followed everything else as described in the manual but still have problems with two of the spring covers. It is very puzzling. What is the distance between the plinth and the platter on your set up?
newbee
4,767 posts
 
My platter is also 1/4" above the plinth. I've no problem fitting the caps over the springs. Perhaps you do need new springs, however before your go that route you might try lowering the platter to 1/8th inch. So long as the platter is operating perfectly level and that space is even around the platter I don't think this height issue is that critical. Worth a try.

Regarding the tone arm. My Oracle came with the Oracle arm - nice arm but a PITA - I changed it to a MMT. I did not change the spring(s) and it has worked fine, however I've always felt, subjectively, that the spring on the arm side could have been a bit stiffer. When you press down on the platter and release it, it doesn't move up and down in a perfectly vertical motion. But in practice it didn't really make a sonic difference, to my ear anyway.

Wish I could have been of more help........
rickk OP
15 posts
 
Newbee,

I appreciate your input. It's near impossible to find anecdotal information regarding these tables. The platter was level before I adjusted the springs and after. However, it has never bobbed evenly as you describe. I believe the literature states that it should bob evenly 4 times and then stop. I have not been able to achieve anything close to that experience, but the sonics sound fine to me nonetheless. Sounds like the same thing you're experiencing, except that my table looks like crap with the spring covers sitting unevenly. I guess I'll try setting it up from scratch again and see what happens at 1/8".

Thanks again,
More to discover