Review: Oracle Maintenance Kit

Category: Analog

For us Oracle owners we have seen this maintenace kit listed. I pondered the question is it really worth the $150.00. I have had the Alexandria for some time and it always sounded very good and most happy with it. However mine was made in 1982 and has not had any maintenance at all.

So I checked around the area I lived in and found a techinican that was trained by Oracle. He convinced me to get the kit and said it was worth every penny. Particular in my case as the Alexandria has not seen any service since it was new.

So I ordered the kit from an Audiogon Dealer and had it shipped directly to the tech. About two weeks later I picked up the Alexandria. Was informed by the tech.,that one of the spring towers had stretched a little to far and some of the dampers had lost the resilency, and other items that needed attention as well. The service charge was $60.00 plus the $150.00 for the kit. So into this restoration for $210.00.

Next step was to take it home and level out the base. The tech has the suspension set dead on. No adjustment needed there. Put the strobe on the platter and set for 33.3 RPM.Also had the tech install the Ortophon X5 MC phono cartridge and set all those adjustments,Overhang,VTA,etc.

So now to the music. After all that what this is all about.First up was "TouchDown" by Bob James. This was truly an incredible listening experience. The Alexandria peformed at levels that I had not heard in a very long time.In essence the table just disappears now and lets the music come through with a clarity I had not heard in a very long time.

Next up was "Natural Elements" by Acoustic Alchemy. The twin guitars of the Greg Carmichael and Nick Webb came through with a crisp transparency I had not heard in a very long time. Quite spectacular to say the least.

Next up was some rock "Joshua Tree" by U2. The Alexandria did not waver,delivered this band at depth and transparency that I did not know existed on this record.

This Alexandria has the Sumiko Premier FT3 arm with the above menetioned cartridge.

Now the Alexandria is in like new condition and performing at a level I had not heard in a very long time. It is amazing how over the years that the degradation in sound is so subtle and that most of us unknowing make compromises for this.

So in conclusion is this Oracle Maintenance Kit worth the $150.00. There is no doubt in my mind it is. So if you have an Oracle that is at least 10 years old and has never been serviced,treat yourself. It is probably the best $150.00 I have ever spent on analog. Unless damaged by myself or some freak accident,tech says it will need another kit in about 10 years.