1. Home
  2. analog
  3. 138037-115813

SME V tone arm advice

I’m the original owner of the SME V tone arm, Litz wire on a Oracle Delphi Mk II table. I would like to upgrade the table in the 3-4 K range. My question is might it be better to sell the arm and purchase a table arm combination such as VPI prime or keep the arm and add a table and maybe replace the phono cable? A new cartridge is up for grabs at this point, prefer high output.  Thanks everyone for your experienced opinions. 
bigwave1
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
You might also find a nicely restored Garrard 301 or 401 here or on US Audiomart for $4K or less!
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
A nicely restored Thorens TD124 is worth consideration too!
jperry
1,408 posts
 
Oracle is still in business and you can upgrade the table. Keep the SME V tonearm. You have two great products that work well together.

I don’t think the change to a VPI Prime is an upgrade at all. Many of the VPI owners and fans will likely disagree.

What phono preamp are you using? By higher output do you mean a higher output MC or a MM/MI cartridge?
bigwave1's avatar
bigwave1 OP
18 posts
 
Thank you all for your highly  regarded advice as it appears to be unanimous. I was on the fence but not anymore. Evidently some products withstand the test of time. 
bigwave1's avatar
bigwave1 OP
18 posts
 
Thanks all,
jperry, using a Prism Orpheus as my one and all pre/Dac. Decware and Sim amps , Grand Veenas complete my quiver. 
Soundsmith Aida MI  has my interest right now. 
Actually id like to simplify  and Lyngdorf may get my business as an all in one. 
Spatial, Dutch,Dutch; and Tekton may also be on the horizon. Appreciate your interest. 
More to discover