For the sound question: The old Oracle is a Mk I with the Pabst Hall effect DC motor, the Mk II suspension, a Perfectionist Engineering polymer bearing, a separate linear 27 V DC power supply, an acrylic platter mat from Holland, and is in good working order. The replacement is a Mk V SE (with granite base and Turbo PS). I took the tonearm & disc from the old table to the new, & made minor adjustments in VTA and azimuth.
The individual sound differences are not as large as you might think, but they do add up. The biggest difference is in "jump" (macro-dynamics?). The bass goes only a little lower, but is cleaner. The imaging width & depth is a little better, the noise level a little better (micro-dynamics?). The sound is a little more precise throughout. The sense of realism is much improved. I couldn't go back.