2. analog
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SME 20/3 or Oracle Delphi VI or Garrard 301

I am just about to buy a new table. I have happily owned an original oracle Delphi for 30 years! Choices are the new 20/3, Oracle Delphi VI or possibly a rebuilt Garrard 301. They all run about the same money.
The reviews and comments out there lead me to believe I will be better off using a non SME arm on the 20/3...I will probably go with a Graham Phantom. (I like the removable arm tube concept too) For now I will use my SME IV.
keep reading the SME detractors claim that the tables are lifeless. Not something you can accuse a Delphi of for sure. The HiFi News reviews of both tables are nothing short of glowing. As far as I can tell the Oracle is possibly more nimble and musical(?) while the SME is more "solid".
Your thoughts are welcom
mauidj
lewm
12,998 posts
 
Yeah, sorry. Got carried away.
dover
2,243 posts
 
Mauidj,

You have mentioned several times the Raven AC3 . Another suggestion would be to buy the Raven AC1 and mount your current arm/cartridge on it. This keeps your initial cost down and allows you to do further upgrades over time without having to restart again.
diggory
38 posts
 
Peterayer, i went from a Model 10 to a Model 20/2 after 9 years with the 10. The upgrade was significant. Far more detail, less bass but it became tighter and far better defined, most of all though was the depth and feel to the music that comes through in a way that is only clear when you hear the one after the other. The 10 is very good, the 20 is excellent and worth the extra cost. As for the 20/3, well, i reckon you would just have to try and get a listen to one.
rgurney
279 posts
 
The 20/3 is an updated version of the 20/2, which is no longer available new.

The 20/3 is 23 lbs heavier overall (63 vs. 40). The platter is 4 lbs heavier (14 vs 10). The rest of the weight increase is accounted for in the thicker chassis and subchassis.

The 30/2, in comparison, is 92 lbs with a 15 pound platter. This increased mass and solidity is evident in a comparison.

I have no comments or experience with the Oracle or Garrard.
Your chances of hearing the 20/3 before purchase may be slim to none, depending on where you live, and slim may have left town.
mauidj OP
127 posts
 
Thanks to the last posters for getting this thread back on track...and returning civility.
The new 20/3 is a huge step forward in terms of specs. Getting closer to the 30/2 in every way..except price.
As the HiFi News reviewer said...this is the sweet spot financially in the range right now.
It seems to offer a huge bang for the bucks.
@ Dover...yes this is/was/who knows! the plan. Get the AC-1 use what I have then go from there.
Or....spend less on the table...20/3 or Oracle VI and get a really good arm and cart.
Later I can trade up the table but meanwhile have a very nice front end from the get go.
The Raven is still twice the price of the other tables and I have to fight hard to not over extend myself.
Damn it's so easy getting carried away with this stuff ;-)
I think the way forward has to be balanced and take into consideration the whole system which as I stated earlier is not exactly perfect in a couple of other areas.
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