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Advice for a new Oracle Delphi Owner

Calling all Oracle Delphi owners, I recently bought a nice condition MK III and have a couple of questions for existing or previous owners of this fine turntable.

My questions are.

1) Do you always switch off the platter each time you change the record over or try to unclamp, flip over, re clamp whilst the platter is spinning. If the answer is yes I assume the motor is robust enough for the constant switching on and off?

2) Do you ever play with an alternative platter mat without the clamp. If so what brand.

I really like this turntable and it sounds excellent with no issues evident at the moment. My only thoughts are that it is a little more time consuming to use due to the constant power off, unclamp, place record, reclamp, power on and play routine for every side of play. 

Look forward to any input.

Thanks.
ateal
ateal OP
97 posts
 
Hi Cleeds, that's easy, I'm always excited when playing vinyl:). On a serious note though, thanks for that info, I will perform the test tonight and make any necessary adjustments as per your advice.

 
ateal OP
97 posts
 
After getting great advice here, I went home and did the bounce test. I gave it a little tap on the top of the clamp and watched the bounce. The results seemed good - the bounce remained completely vertical just like a piston, I didn't notice any lateral movement. The actual bounce from a single light tap seemed to go on for at least 15 to 20 cycles which seemed higher than I have read elsewhere on the web. Not sure if that is too much bounce? 

Also the bounce came to a gentle stop with very tiny movement towards the end. This indicates to me that there is nothing hindering the bounce.

Any comments from current or previous owners more than welcome.

harold-not-the-barrel
895 posts
 
Excellent ! No lateral movement. The sound is already there. There is never too much bounce. It was so fun to bounce my Delphis. I dreamed the bouncing would last for a minute, at least. Seriously, happy days :)
oldears
386 posts
 
You will destroy the belt if you don't turn the motor off at a change.
Look at the Oracle-audio.com site for instructions- the later instructions (Mk IV and up ) are better (just ignore the MVSS part). The Mk III can be updated to later versions when you get ready. Try to get the most recent belt and bearing available for the Mk III as an update. You can also get a later mat to replace the groove isolator mat, but if it weighs more, you will have to re-balance the suspension and perhaps replace the springs (don't go there). You might try to contact Herbie to find a mat at the exact diameter (with a satisfaction guarantee). Also get a washer from him to replace the original tapered washer. Always use the clamp. Do not replace it with a heavier clamp.
Happy listening!
harold-not-the-barrel
895 posts
 
It would be foolish to replace the GROOVE ISOLATOR . So is replacing the original soft suspension. Fine tuning becomes much more difficult. So does finding the right tune/sound balance. There´s no real advantage when things get more complicated. The sound surely becomes different but not necessarily better. The GROOVE ISOLATOR / clamp system gives THE best audio w/ HQ high compliance cartridges. Period.

I never liked the sound of stiff suspension with hard mat @  Mk VI.
At the time I didn´t have a HQ MC to try so I say nothing about MC carts. 

Best of Luck
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