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Revamp Garrard 301, keep Oracle V or move along?

Hello,

I have an Oracle V with turbo,SME V & Koetsu RSP cartridge cable is Hovland Music Groove.

I also have a very nice condition cream Garrard grease bearing 301 for which I built a CLD plinth weighing in at some 60lbs with a modified Rega300 for experimental purposes. Image here:

http://gallery.audioasylum.com/cgi/view.mpl?u=127&f=DSC00407.JPG&v=f&UserImages=127&session=&&moniker=AJ&invite=&w=675&h=506

Preamp is a Aesthetix Io Signature w/volume controls and 2 power supplies. I also use some restored vintage pre's used from time to time: Marantz 1,Arc SP8 etc. Amps are Berning Zh270, Wyetech Topaz, and vintage Marantz 2 or Citation II.

Whats my best bang for the buck?: invest into bearings and commercial plinths/platters and a 12" arm with the Garrard or sell the Oracle and Garrard and move on: thinking TW acustic or SME20?

I like the SME V because its easy and I have less time now to fuss around but am open to a clearly superior piece that's not astronomical: Phantom or Triplaner?... would love a Breur or Gradenza but the $ must get much stronger for that.

This solely for a change and to consolidate and make room nothing very wrong.. I use Quad ESLs so dynamics are not a strong point...(that's another thread!...looking for HE single driver speakers eventually)..So on the front end those experienced with the revamped Garrards do you have a opinion or advice?...

Thanks, Nkj
nkj
lewm
6,770 posts
 
Nkj, All I can say is, "Gulp!"; your Garrard is gorgeous. Unless you need the money to apply to your next purchase, I would say never sell that. It is as good as money in the bank and may be an appreciating asset. I see above that you like to keep vintage electronics that are similar in asset value, so think of the Garrard in that category. But I also agree with Mike, you are not getting the most out of the Garrard. Try the Kokomo bearing for starters and a Triplanar if you can manage it.
nkj OP
119 posts
 
Thanks for the replies so far,

I think I may trick out the Garrard and see where it goes. I'll probably sell the loser and re-evaluate. This might take a while...

Nkj
gmorris
351 posts
 
I would like to add my comments in reaction to Mikelavigne's characterization of the Oracle MKV as “lean” sounding. That may well be Mikel’s experience based on the associated equipment, etc. But in my system, the Oracle MKV SE (granite base)/Helikon/Phantom combination is certainly not lean sounding. In fact the Oracle MKV is a much underrated turntable. Its strong points are its mechanical quietude, coherent musicality and huge sound stage with surprisingly taut and tuneful bass. This is a super performing table that is reasonably priced. To me it’s a keeper.
jweiss
14 posts
 
I would definitely keep the Garrard, but I am prejudiced, as I make slate plinths for the Garrard (Oswaldsmill Audio or OMA) and we are now the Garrard/Loricraft representatives for the US. So, with that disclaimer out of the way, the plinth is of course very important. Dobbins makes a good one, and OMA makes one from slate that weighs a bit more than one hundred pounds. We will also be coming out with a new Loricraft Garrard power supply for the 301 in a month or two, and that should make a big difference and a substantial upgrade.

As for 12 inch arms, I put a lot of Schick arms onto 301's (disclaimer- we distribute them), which is wonderful with heavier, low to medium compliance cartridges, but that is what you would be wanting to use with the 301 anyway. And the Schick is still a bargain. I use it myself, and my other deck and arm are a Saskia and Schroeder Reference SQ.

Jonathan Weiss
perrew
299 posts
 
Jonathan, can you tell me more about the new power supply for the 301. Is it better than the PSU301 Loricraft has now?
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