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Oracle Alexandria Question

My brother's old Garrard has died, he has a sizeable record collection and wants to spend about $5-700 for a decent TT, arm and cartridge. I've pointed him to the Rega and MMF models, but my dealer has a nice-looking used Oracle Alexandria for sale which, with a nice cartridge, will fit in that price range. Sonically, I would expect it to better most of the newer tables I mentioned, judging from the reports in the archives. My only concern will be reliability (there was mention in one thread about a warped base or something like that?). Any owners out there who can comment? Also, any thoughts on a cartridge (I think this one has an Oracle arm, and my brother uses a Marantz receiver which probably will only take a MM design)? Thanks for any input.
rcprince
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I've set up my friend Alexandria TT with original Prelude arm and cheap Grado MM cartridge. Than he upgraded to Goldring Eroica. The setup is increadible with Michell ISO phonostage stolen for $200 the one made by Tom Evans. No compromise in dynamics to any Rega models, higher resolution and tighter bass.
As to reliability you realy should check the condition of turntable and prefere a local pick up or make shure that seller is competent on shipping of turntables. To get parts for this turntable is literally impossible since they're out of production a good while ago.
newbee
4,822 posts
 
Excellent turntable and a very good arm. The only problem is the arm has a mechanical auto cue devise which lifts the arm at the end of the record. This can engage prematurely and can be a pain in the ass. If this unit doesn't have that problem I'd take it over a Rega or MMF. By the way it does take a bit of patience to set it up properly. No warps in my unit.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,125 posts
 
If the Alexandria is not warped already I doubt that it will. Do you know what generation Alexandria you are considering?
I had one several years ago and enjoyed it very much. I had a problem with the buttons once, but I got it fixed for a reasonable price so I can't complain.
It should be a good table for your brother. Though I would try to get a handle on the age.
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