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Refurbish or Buy New Turntable

I have a question to put out to the forum. I have a Oracle Delphi mark ll turntable with an early Graham arm (Excalibur) and a Monster Apha Genesis cartridge (very low output mc .29mv). It has been in storage and I am ready to spin my vinyl once again. The table needs a belt and perhaps some suspension springs. My BAT VK 31SE preamp does not have enough gain to handle this cartridge and I was thinking of getting a higher output mc or a mm depending on compliance with the Graham arm.

My budget for the project is $ 1600 to $ 2000. In your opinion
will this old combination hold up against the new inexpensive table/arm combinations of today? Should I move on and look at Rega or the like combos?

Thanks in advance for any help!
ck
piedpiper
753 posts
 
The Transfiguration Axia is an excellent value, medium high output cartridge with very balanced sound, that is in your budget and should work with your preamp. The Clearaudio MCs typically have a healthy output as well, with a brighter presentation. Benz makes several higher output carts with a bit warmer tone.

dealer disclosure.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
at 150x mm or sumiko blue point mc...300 bucks either way. the AT is really special
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Hi, yes, The other posters hit it though. A good high(er) output cartridge and you should be good to go !
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