Kublakhan; The original Mk-1 Oracle tt was a very musical table. It wiped out all the competition when first issued(including the Linn, but not in the bass). The only competition it had was the Goldmund Studio TT, which got more music off the LP. I still preferred the Oracle'.s tonal balance and airy 3D presentation. The Mk III, Randy will tell you, was the best balanced as the MK 4 lost all the warmth and became analytical. The new one I have not heard. There was a magic to the first one though. It made your LPs sound so musical you did'nt want to stop listening.
Early versions of Mk-1 were supplied with a 2 piece balancing counterweight that made all the springs ride up and down in perfect time. I had mine so perfect that I could bounce the entire subchassis during play( about 2 inches peak to peak!!!!) without the needle skipping. I later abandoned the Oracles for Well Tempered designs but I do miss some of the early Oracle magic. Brooks was a real good Oracle man, but I wouldn't stray too far from the original design. BTW I purchased the Goldmund mat and did NOT like the sound as much as the gummy Oracle supplied mat. If you need a new Oracle mat, E mail me and I'll send you one. I have 3 sealed ones in the closet. Good luck.......Frank
Early versions of Mk-1 were supplied with a 2 piece balancing counterweight that made all the springs ride up and down in perfect time. I had mine so perfect that I could bounce the entire subchassis during play( about 2 inches peak to peak!!!!) without the needle skipping. I later abandoned the Oracles for Well Tempered designs but I do miss some of the early Oracle magic. Brooks was a real good Oracle man, but I wouldn't stray too far from the original design. BTW I purchased the Goldmund mat and did NOT like the sound as much as the gummy Oracle supplied mat. If you need a new Oracle mat, E mail me and I'll send you one. I have 3 sealed ones in the closet. Good luck.......Frank