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Buying a used Oracle Delphi Mk_ ?

Any comments on what to look for and/or to avoid in a used Oracle - or whether to look for or to avoid a used Oracle in the first place? The idea would be to pay a modest price and then to upgrade gradually as the budget welcomed, enjoying the music in the meantime.

Our system hasn't been complete in over a decade, as we moved around too much to 'do it right': A humbly exquisite little modified Dynaco 70 in triode is all there is of it at present; in the past it included a Walker turntable with Audioquest (which we thought were listenable under the circumstances) and Spika T-60 speakers (which we adored). Thank you all for any input you think relevant.
saffron
jeffloistarca
1,004 posts
 
I own a Delphi IV and can honestly say it would be the last component I'd consider selling. My baby sounds terrific and is stunning. I bought mine new many moons ago with the Oracle/SME345 arm and have used many quality pick-ups on it. An under-appreciated turntable that does not get it's props against some of the better known 'tables. A Delphi should be part of your rig. Buy one. Hell, buy two!
trich727
67 posts
 
The Delphi in any version is a great tt. I owned an LP12 for a number of years before switching, and I love the Delphi.. still. I have never had any problem with mine, tweeks are still available through Oracle, and belts through them and elsewhere. The only thing I have not been able to find anywhere is an upgraded power supply. There is one generaly available for the 4 and 5 version, but none for 1, 2, or 3. One thing I have never had to deal with, but it makes sense is; do not use the dust cover. Mine has always been in a rack with plate glass doors and never needed a dust cover, but I'm told the dust cover is a less than great design. I don't need a masters in enginering to agree, but then I don't need one to see/hear why this table blows away anything even close to it's price range either. I would say it's a great choice in a used tt. Tom
kana813
956 posts
 
Before you buy a used Oracle, check out a new Nottingham
SpaceDeck.
motorpsychos
38 posts
 
A rebuild kit is available for all series of Delphi. Which is way cool. But To up grade to the late style bearing it must be at least a MkII. A MkII or MkI will take the bearing but the subchassis must be machined. The derlin towers and chassis subweight modifications, it must be at least a MkIII. Look for potencialy warped pliths. It does not happen often but it does happen. Oh by the rebuild kit is a good deal at $150.00. I love my MkII although the early ones are a little more of a hassle to set up properly. Patience is needed. A Delphi will accept any tonearm known to man.
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