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Oracle Delphi vs. ??? fill in the blank.

I really like the look of the delphi, a friend once had one that obviously left an impression on me. But i'm not convinced that it is the right table to get.
I am running a Kenwood "rock" cultured marble/granite plinth table now and dierly want to upgrade.
the rest of my system is I had a Levinson 28 (wife made me sell it... spells divorce for some. ha!) and am looking for one again a or better model 280s perhaps?, and still presently have two counterpoint sa-20 power amps going into a pair of Dynaudio Twynn MTM towers with custom heavy dampening and Solen heptalitz-wire inductors and fast metalized poly capsx-overs and monster internal cables, also a Teac VRDS 6030s tape deck. Synergistic Inouye line conditioner
I even made my own stand from aluminum and 3/4" granite shelves all spiked individually i would show you a pic but i am traveling and don't have one handy. the thing weighs 450pounds! thats without equipment on it!!
blah.blah.blah anyway the reason why i'm here is,
Please help! Any other tables to look at that compare to the oracle? or should I just buy the damb thing! looking $2000-3000 range.
morper
richardmr
90 posts
 
The Avid line of tables are somewhat similiar to Oracle's and have received nothing but positive reviews. Some have said they are an Oracle on steriods. I own the Volvare and it has been a flawless performer. I have nothing negative to say. I think it works best on a rack that drains energy/vibration rather than the heavily damped/high mass designs.
uktel
60 posts
 
i couldn't agree more
sir speedy has hit the nail right on the head
the oracle delphi is truly UNDERESTIMATED
All oracle delphis are very neutral with great speed attack and dynamics
add to this great imaging soundstaging detail and an accurate bass performance and you'll begin to get the picture
some may prefer a more weightier fuller sound
this also can be achieved via the arm and cartridge choice
gmorris
351 posts
 
I am currently using an Oracle Delphi mkV SE (turbo PS and granite base) with a Graham Phantom/Helikon combo. In absolute terms, I cannot rate the Oracle versus all the available turntables currently available. However, in musical terms the Oracle/Phantom/Helikon (with the appropriate associated gear) is glorious in its music making capabilities: panoramic soundstage openness and air, transient agility/speed, natural and robust midrange, delicate and extended highs, articulate and powerful bass, etc; all against a background of mechanical quietude. Yes, I agree with Sirspeedy, it is way underrated especially the mkV version with the granite base.aN
uktel
60 posts
 
g morris
how do you rate the helicon graham combination
personally i find lyras a tad lean in my system
kind of similar to an ortofon jubilee[still great sounding though]
do you think later oracles are fuller in tonality than earlier models
havn't had the pleasure of the mkv yet
is it a worthwile upgrade if so why?
my old mk11, phantom,koetsu has seen off a few high enders
in its time 'in fact its one of the few turntables ive actually been happy with for a prolonged period
has the new mkv lost the organic structure that comes so naturally to the old units or has it become a detail retrievers dream that seems to ruin so many of todays superdecks have you had the opportunity to compare old with new/ same arm etc
personally i really hope the mkv is all its cracked up to be
and has just built on its strengths
if so
i want one
gmorris
351 posts
 
The Helikon likes to be loaded down quite a bit (47k is too lean sounding). I am using 100 ohms with my ARC PH2 without loss of air and treble response. I am getting a rich (not overly warm) tonal balance in my room. However, I can vary the degree of warmth/leaness by changing the phase of my subwoofers.

The Oracle Delphi mkVs are certainly richer in tonal balance than the previous iterations. The mkV with the granite base (65 lbs versus 35 for the standard base) has more powerful and articulate bass reproduction. It also is a tad more robust in the upper bass/lower midrange.

I have the opportunity to listen to both decks with similar equipment. And the granite plinth adds to the bass reproduction.

Bottom line: The Oracles are easily among the most musical
turntables currently available, irrespective of price. The newer iterations simply offer a wee bit more refinement, speed stabilty and resolution. But the overall character remains intact (thank goodness!)
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