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VIP, SOTA & Oracle Turntables

Can these turntables from the late 1980's and 1990's be upgraded to more recent standards? I am planning to purchase one of these turntables for use in my audio system. Since I can't afford to purchase new, my plan is to purchase a used turntable and arm for upgrade later when I have extra cash.

My present system consistes of the:

1. Threshold S/300
2. Classe DR-5 pre-amp
3. DAC
4. Parasound 2000 CD transport
5. Upgraded cables and interconnects
6. Mirage M-09 speakers to be upgraded to Maggies 1.6. I presently listen to CD's but really want to begin pulling our some of my classical and jazz albums. All advice will be welcomed. Thanks very much.
rbwinterlink
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I am a VPI dealer so I will confine my advice to them. While there is some ability to upgrade the older tables, which are good buys, I would suggest looking at the current Scout, which has a clear upgrade path to the Scoutmaster Reference, a table that costs mega dollars to better. The standard Scout is a very good table in itself and often appears on Audiogon at favorable prices. Stan Wallen, Alternative Audio
clio09
3,360 posts
 
I had a SOTA Star Sapphire from the early 90's that was upgraded by SOTA to a Nova Series V in 2004. The benefits as a result of upgrading were such that IMO I could not have bought a comparable table for twice the price when factoring in the cost of the original table plus the upgrade.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
don't spend a nickle upgrading until you listen to your new purchase for awhile whatever it may be.
gregadd
574 posts
 
Sota has a full trade in program. Contact them for details.
This my opinion. It's always better to wait and buy waht you want the first time.
Why? Because everyone wants to nickel and dime you on the value of your trade in. I know 'cause I just ried it on Saturday.
utahusker
44 posts
 
I agree, buy once and save money.

I went from a cheap Technics to a Rega P3-24 then subplatter,Techno Weight, then power supply, then Acro Platter. I then sold it for a Scout, then 300 RPM motor. I sold the VPI and bought an Avid Diva II which blows them all away in MY system.

The only reason I'd upgrade now for some reason, would be some sort of windfall. I would like to climb the Avid chain though:) That isn't going to happen in the foreseeable future unless the Power Ball hits.
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