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Reasonable tube phono stage for Oracle Alexandria?

Hello all,

I have an Oracle Alexandria with Sumiko MMT and Bluepoint cartridge. Currently using the internal phono stage of my Unison Research Unico, however, this has become an intolerable limiting factor and I feel it is time to upgrade. I am interested in tubes but am at a complete loss as to what might be a reasonably-priced phono stage for this set up or if tubes are even the most appropriate way to go here. I do know that any phonostage I purchase should accomodate both MM and MC cartridges since I experiment with both regularly. And as long as I have your attention, does anyone have any experience with or opinions on suitable tonearm upgrades since that project is looming as well? Any suggestions, experiences, or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
rickk
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
The intorable limiting factor is more-likely belongs to Bluepoint cartridge.
Replace with new Shure V15vXMR. Than think of phonostage.
Don't go bellow ARC PH3($800 used) otherwise you'll spend much more for upgrades. This phonostage could be used for cartridges down to 1mV output with passive preamp and down to .6mV output for active preamps. You should be able to vary the load by replacing load resistors since that's the only way done in this phonostage.
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hammy
176 posts
 
arc ph3 is a GREAT reccomendation. Shure seems outdated, was great in its day. I like my SS. plinius jarrah/ rega/ dynavector 10x4 combo- sort of low-end hi- end, but the audio research idea is a good one - if you can get it that cheap.
rickk OP
15 posts
 
I have heard a lot of good things about the ARC PH3, but I think I am looking for something a little bit cheaper, and more user friendly as far as switching between MC and MM is concerned. I'm not trying to set up a workshop over this; I'll settle for a switch or button or maybe even a jumper.

Does anyone have experience with the ASL offerings in this area?

I actually really like the performance of Bluepoints for the money.

Hammy, I have been looking at the Dynavector 10x4 and will own one sooner than later.

Any ideas on a good tonearm upgrade for this table? Some previous threads indicate that the Alexandria can be fickle this way.
readster
241 posts
 
go for the dyna 10x5, it's a better cartridge, lot's of improvements over the 10x4
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hammy
176 posts
 
What advantages does the 10X5 have readster? I'm sure it's better, but please elaborate.
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