Oracle DELPHI MK III Owner's Manual

Oracle Audio Technologies

6136 boulevard Bertrand Fabi, Suite 101 phone:[phone]
Sherbrooke. Q ue bec. Canada. J1N 2P3 fax: [phone]

DELPHI MK III

OWNER’S MANUAL

The Fine Art Of Playing Music

www.oracle-audio.com

TABLE OF CONTENT

FOREWORD……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
WHAT IF………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4

The levelling feet…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …..4

The suspension system……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....4

The bearing assembly………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
The drive belt……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
The record clamp……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…6
The phono lead……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………….…6
The hardware………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………….…..6
The cartridge alignment………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………….…….6

HOW TO…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………….…..7
Pack or unpack your Delphi…………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..7

Assemble your Delphi……………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………...8
Install the tone arm and phono cartridge………………………………………………………………………….……………….9
Precisely align the phono cartridge……………………………………………………………………………………….……………9
Calibrate the suspension……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………..10
Dress the phono lead……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..13
Install the drive belt……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….13
Remove the platter with the drive belt installed………………………………………………………………….……………14
Connect the power supply……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………14
Adjust the 33 and 45 speed…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..15
Install the dust cover……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..15
Operate the record clamp…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………15
Level your Delphi………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………15

WHAT TO DO……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….16
If the turntable does not start and the speed indicates light does not go on………………………….…….16

If the turntable does not start and the speed indicates light goes on……………………………………….…..16
If the platter is not parallel with the plinth ……………………………………………………………………………………..16
If an even up or dow n motion cannot be obtained when gently pressing on the record clamp..….16
If the speed becomes erratic…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17
For maintenance………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………….17

Delphi MK III

Owner’s manual

This is your owner’s manual. The following pages w ill describe as succinctly as possible the
assembly of your new Delphi. Although some operations are self explanatory, we strongly suggest
you read this bookl et to better understand the vital roles so precisely accomplished by the
different key components.

A first grade turntable like your new Delphi or any other turntable for that matter although built
with the very finest materials is always somewhat vulnerable. Unlike speakers or amplifiers,
turntables require mechanical expertise to reach the high standards of accuracy they are capable
of. It is important to set up your Delphi with the utmost care so it can effectively transmute record
groove modulations into out standing musical pe rformance and enjoyment !

FOREWORD

Total accuracy is the only key to success in this matter where the quality of the results can only be
as good as the worst level of calibration in any step whatever it is suspension calibration, tone arm
installation or cartridge alignme nt.

This booklet is divided in thr ee sections, the what if…., the how to…, and finally the what to do…

The what if…is an informative section about mechanical/sound interaction which will give a
comprehensive understanding of the different components and their effect on sound.

The how to…is the heart of the turntable set up which exposes thoroughly the procedures to
achieve the very best results.

The what to do…will give you a quick check list useful for trouble shooting and maintenance.

Delphi MKIII

Owner’s manual

WHAT IF….

In this section, we will often refer to vibration, The stylus vibrates when following the complex
record groove and transfers this energy into an electrical signal which will become the sound you
hear. This vibration however is also a also a source of potential problems when ignored or
misunderstood. In a turntable design ever ything is about vibration and mos tly keeping it away
from the minute signal emerging from the record and stylus interface. There is a reason for
everything in your Delphi and this section is about understanding the mecha ni cal interactions and
their effect on sound.

…the leveling feet

They control the horizontal plane of the turntable and they are terminated in a convex shape. The
levelling of the turntable is vital to its performance. An improperly levelled turntable will have
an effect on the platter spindle and bearing by incre a s i ng its drag.This increased drag will
be similar to something slow ing down the spindle. A loss of mo mentum will occur and cause the
sound to smea r loosing punch and focus. The increased drag will also mean more noise
accessing through the pl a tte r ’s s p indle to the stylus playing the record groove.The effect
can be sufficient to overlap with and eliminate the subtle sufficient to overlap with and eliminate
the subtle information in the record groove. The convex shape offers an information in the record
groove. This will have the effect of reducing the access of external vibration to the turntable.

…the suspension system

If improperly calibrated many problems will emerge from this innocent looking system.

The effect of the suspension system on the sound is so great we could compare it to the sonic
differences b etween a dead sounding recording studio and a live and spacious sounding concert
hall.

The reason behind this is s imple. All we have to understand is that v ery subtle signals like the
sustain ringing of a bell, the echo of the concert hall, the light and delicate sound of shims or any
other breeze like signals are a very low amplitude which could be equalled or imparied by other
signals like unfiltered energy accessing through an improperly set up suspension system. This
would have the unfortunate effect of being picked up by the stylus playing the record groove
resulting in an increased noise floor resulting in cancellation of low amplitude signals. The
suspension set up will a lso have a tremendous effect on the stability of the turntable systems
while playing the record.

Delphi MKIII

Owner’s manual

…the bearing assembly

A few problems can effect the performance of the bearing and spindle system. The first is

one of handling w hen inserting the spindle in the bea ring. If not inserted verti cally nicks cou l d
occur on the upper bushing. Another is lack of lubrication. With time, the two problems would
have a relatively similar effect on sound. The nicks will create a breaking effect which is

similar but potentially worst then what was described in the levelling feet section. The
lack of oil over time will allow the busing surface to become sticky which w ill accelerate
the wear of both the bushing and the spindle. These tow problems bea r a di r ect impa ct
on noise increase. Some lubricating oils a re not a ppr opri ate to be used in the bearing
well. Their vicosity will change w ith time and sticky deposits will coat the surface of the bushings

causing inconsistent friction, sonically this would translate into ir regular wow and possibly flutter.

…drive belt

An oily drive belt will keep the drive systems from responding sharply to varying loads.

On a record is the constini ously changing modul ations in the groove. In ord er to maintain the
platter’s momentum a positive drive is absolutely required. A similar problem also develops

with time when the belt looses its properties thus loosing its ability to effectively
transmit the motor to platter e n e r gy . The impact on sound can be serio us: lack of
punch, loss of focus.

…the record clamp

With the purpose of maximizing the record’s stability and mechanical energy transfer through the
mat. The record clamp will caus e d a mage to your records if overti g h ten e d . The outer edge
of the record could be lifted off the surface of the mat causing sonic problems due to the non­horizontal plane. Simultaneously the energy transfer to the mat would be reduced causing
the sound to become harsh.

Delphi MKIII

Owner’s manual

…the phono lead

When improperly or not secured to the plinth the phono lead will exert a tension on the suspension
keeping it from effectively filtering unwanted energy. This energy will go past the suspension
system and effect the sty l us playing the re cord groov e causing conf usion in the sound you hear.
This will also smear the sound. Another problem is one of feed back where the phono lead offers
link to the subchassis.

…the hardware

The mounting hardware for the tone arm or the cartridge also bears an important responsibility
with regard to the sound quality. A muddy sound can of ten be related to this. Loose mounti ng

screws increase vibration resulting in muddiness of the sound you hear.

…the cartridge alignment

This final element in the what if…section is often taken with a grain of salt. Being in the ball park is
far from being sufficisent: for this the calibration has to be d ead in the middle of home plate.

Minute positioning of the cartridge away from the exa ct p os ition in any direction b e a rs a
tremendously detrimental impact of the sound quali ty … .b eware !

Delphi MKIII

Owner’s manual

HOW TO…

…pack and unpack your Delphi

- remove the inner box by lifting it straight up and o ut. Open the flaps on bo th ends and
slide our the styrof oam packaging.

- Remove the traps bi nding the packaging together.

- Select a clean lat work surface, like a table or counter top, for setting up the turntable.

- Lift the styrofoam cover straight up so as to protect the corner reinforcement.

- Remove the dust cover from the upper section of packaging and set it aside for a later

installation.

- Remove the upper section of packaging leaving all the accessories in place and set it near
by.

- Remove the acrylic base plate from the lower section of the packaging and place it on your
work table.

- Note 1: Lift the acrylic base straight up so as not to damage the pla tter’s spindle pro truding
through.

- Note 2: All the accessories are positioned strategically in the packaging to prevent them
from coming loose a nd possibly damaging the turntable during shipping. When shipping
the turntable it is imp or tant to place each item in i ts right place. To that effect,
simple diagrams have been affixed to the inside end covers of the inner box.

- Note 3: Your Or a cle’s packaging has been designed to protect it from the abusive handling
normally encountered during shipping. Save all packing materials fo r use in any future
shipping.

Delphi MK III

Owner’s manual

- Locate the hinges in the upper section of the packaging and the appropriate allan key (
1/8”) from the tool kit.

- Separate the hinges from their supports and set them in the dust cover for a later
assembly.

- Mount the hinge supports to the acrylic base . The height adjustment back plates must point
toward the rear of the unit.

…install the tone arm and phono cartridge

- Remove the arm mounting board.

- Install the tone arm following the manufacturer’s recommendations and secure the

hardware firmly.

- Note 1: With the foam bl ocks supporting the subcha ssis, the tone arm a nd cartridge
installation will be done with more stability making all adjustments safer.

- Note 2: The cutting of the arm board can sometimes be troublesome on top of being a
potential hazard. The us e of an adequate tolling is important to both accuracy and safety.
Oracle can supply a pre-drilled arm board for mostly a ny tone arm available,

- Properly secure the arm mounting hardware.

- Use steel or aluminum screws to mount the cartridge for maximum rigidity.

- Tighten the screws so the cartridge can be moved in the headhsell.

…precisely align the phono cartridge

- Block the platter to prevent it from turning using the rubber strips supplied. DO NOT USE
TAPE.

- Place the calibrator disc on the platter over the mat.

- Aim the alignment line with the pivot center of the tone arm.

- Move the tone arm over and cue it down on the alignment grid.

- Check for the horizontality of the arm tube with the surface of the platter and adjust the

height accordingly.

Delphi MKIII

Owner’s man ual

- Bring the tone arm over the center of the grid again and lower it. The stylus tip must fit in
the pin hole in the center of the grid. If not, position the car tridge so it does.

- Precisely align the body of the cartridge with the lines of the grid.

- Secure the cartridge screws and repeat the previous operation.

- Check the azimuth by lowering the stylus over the black portion on the calibrator disc. The

reflection will help determine if the cartridge is off its vertical axis.

- Note: The azimuth is the vertical position of the stylus relative to the record groove when
viewing it from the front. The proper setting is 90degree.

- Check the stylus pressure and adjust to specifications

- Install the stylus guard to complete the assembly of your Delphi. Do not install the phono

lead at this time.

- Lift the subchassis from the styrofoam blocks and set it aside safely.

- Remove the styrofoam blocks from around the suspension posts.

…calibrate the suspension.

Step one: Pre-loading the spring.
Note 1: The spring holder has a deep thread to offer a positive hold of the spring.
Note 2: The reference to clockwise or counter-clockwise must be always take into account viewing

the spring from above.
Note 3: by hand the spring can only be rotated c ounter-clockwise in its holder but, using a plier it

can be held near the tip at the wider end. It is then possible, to move it backwards. If this can not
be done, rotate the spring counter-clockwise until ti comes out and reinstall it from under the
holder to the re commended adjustment. Carefully install the spring so it is threaded straight in
the holder.

- Adjust the spring so three coils are showing below the holder.

Delphi MKIII

Owner’s man ual

Note 4: Before installaling the spring back into the module, pull on the spring at the wider end to
strech it, this will allow it to s eat well in the thread.

Step two: Preparing a spring module
Note: The upper spring damper is mounted on a nylon sleeve.

- Install the two felt dampers in a criss-cross patter in the slotted section of the stem.

- Install the upper spring damper over the stem.

- Install the sorbothane damper over the spring holder and seat it well around the lip.

- Insert the sp ring assembly i n t h e suspension housing.

Step three: Mounting the module

- Install the suspension modules on the stems over the upper spring damper.

Note 1: There are five springs supplied with the turntable which are coded as follow from the
weakest to the strongest: grey, yellow, red, green, blue. The coding is done on the inside at the
wider end of the spring. The following is the standard set up from the factory:

Grey: front left module
Yellow: rear left module
Green: right module

The red and the blue are supplied as extras.
Note 2: The standard spring c ombination will accommodate most tone arms.

- Install the subchassis over the suspension modules.

- Install the platter without the drive belt.

Step four: Calibra t i ng t he suspension.

Note 1: Before moving into this step the m a t, an old record and the record clamp must be in place
on the platter.

Note 2: Do not install the d rive belt nor the pho no lead to prevent any bi a s in the interpretation of
the calibration.

Delphi MK III

Owner’s manual

- Locate the suspension gauge in the documenta t i on envelope. Punch it our of the card. Do
not consider “A” nor 1 & 2.

- Place the gauge on the acrylic base with the “B” side against t h e lock nut.

Note 3: With the spring adjusted as per step o ne, the bottom of the suspension housing should be
well above the “B” step on the gauge. If it falls below, this is an indication that the spring used is
not suited for this tone arm application, it is too weak. With a new spring start the procedure again
from step one.

Note 4: Always start the calibration with the module near the tone arm then move to the rear left
and finally to the front module.

- Rotate the spring counter-clockwise by increments of ¼ of a turn. Apply a pressure on the
record clamp to stretch the spring prior to taking a new reading.

Note 5: To ma ke this opera t ion easy, one hand should hold the suspension housing to keep i t from
turning while the other is rotating the spring. Apply a downward pressure at the same time to
facilitate the rotation.

- For the first round repeat the operation until the suspension ho using is 3 mm (1/8”) above
the “B” step on all three modules. For the second round, reduce the increments to 1/8 of a
turn or less until the housing touches the gauge lig ht l y.

Note 6: In the event that the housing goes below the “B” step, start the procedure from step one
again.

Note 7: Once the proper adjustment is achieved it is important as a final check to verify to the
relative position of the bottom of the spring with its holder. This can be done by simply lifting the
suspension housing just enough so you can see the spring. If you can see the spring anywhere
from almost flush to the s pring holder to up to 3 coils out, the spring is in a safe range and t he
risk of collapsing is nonexistent. If the spring can not be seen showing below the holder a careful
inspection should be performed on this spring to make s ure it is still at less then ½ turn inside the
holder. This is an indication tha t t he spring is approaching the limits. The use of a softer spring
should be considered. Failing to do so could eventually cause the spring to slip out of its holder
thus causing potential damages to your reco rd and your phono car tridge !

Delphi MK III

Owner’s manual

…dress the phono lead

- Attach the phono lead to the base of your tone arm.

- Secure the lead to the strain relief clip below the plinth.

Note 1 : The lead must create a loop from the base of the tone arm to the strain relief clip. This is
done to prevent any interference of the lead with the suspension system.

Note 2: In some applications, the phono lead m ight be too stiff, it is recommended to s pl it the
molded wire from the plug to the strain relief.

Note 3: If the loo p is too long, the lead might c ome in contact with the table below the turntable.
If it is too short, it will keep the suspension syste m from moving freely. I n both cases, it will be
detrimental to the sound.

-Locate the oil vile in the upper section of the packaging and pour the content in the bearing well.

…install the drive belt

Note 1: To reduce contamination problems, wash your hands pr ior to handling the drive belt.

- Locate the drive belt in the upper section of the packaging

- With the platter upside down, place the belt around the hub.

- Bring the platter over and the bearing and lower it straight down holding the belt stretched.

- Guide the drive belt around the motor pulley when the spindle first stop over the oil in the

bearing.

-

Note 2: Do not attempt to rotate the platter at this time since it is not yet fully seated against the
thrust pad. The spindle will first rest over the oil creating an hydraulic lock and the weight of the
platter will gradually allow it to seat against the thrust pad. This whole process should be
completed within one minute.

Note3: In the event that the drive belt becomes contaminated, clean it with denatured alcohol.
Clean the motor pulley and the drive hub at the same time.

Delphi MK III

Owner’s manual

…remove the platter with the d r ive belt installed

- Place one hand at the rear the motor, one hand at the front, lift the platter about 25 cm (
one inch ) and with one finger pull the belt off the m otor pulley, then lift the platter straight
up.

…connect the power supply

- Plug the supply output to the turntab le input receptacle a t t he rear of the tur nta bl e.

- Plug the input cord to an AC o utlet.

Note: Keep the power supply away from signal carrying leads
…adjust the 33 and 45 speed
Note 1: The pitch co ntrol potentiometer is accessible through the left side cover on the function

selector module at the front of the turntable. Rotating this potentiometer will affect both speeds
simultaneously..

Note 2: The individual speed adjustment potentiometers can be re ached through the motor base
from the rear of the unit.

Note 3: The inner circles of strobe marks on the calibrator disc are to be used with a supply of 50
Hz. The circle near the center is for 45 RPM, the other one is for 33 RPM. The outer circles are to
be used with a supply of 60Hz. T he outermost circle is for 33 RPM, the one ne xt to it is for 45 RPM.

- Place the calibrator disc on the platter.

- Select the 33 speed and check for accuracy, if a slight adjustment is required, do not

correct yet.

- Select the 45 speed and check for accuracy.

If both speeds need to be corrected, select the 33 speed again and using the small screwdriver
supplied with the tool kit, rotate the pitch contr ol potentiometer until the strobe mark on the
calibrator disc come to a standstill position.

- Check the 45 speed again, if a small correction is s till required , rotate the 45 RP M
potentiometer through the motor base with the small screw driver until the strobe marks
come to a standstill positio n.

Delphi MKIII

Owner’s manual

…install the dust cover

- Remove the protective packaging from around the dust cover.

- Attach the hinges using a philipps screw driver.

- Slide the flaps in the hinges bases secured to the acrylic base.

…operate the record clamp

- Tighten the clamp so the record is pushed flat against the mat.

Note 1: This will be achieved before feeling the clamp is tight.
Note 2: An overtightened record clamp will force the edge of the record to lift off too much.

…level your Delphi

Your turntable is now ready to be moved to its final emplacement. It is most probable that the
level will differ with the location where the turntable was set up.

- Level the acrylic base by turning the levelling feet. Use the subchassis spirit level to achieve
this final adjustment since the relative level has been already been established between the
subchassis and the acrylic base.

Delphi MKIII

Owner’s manual

WHAT DO TO…

…if the turntable does not start and the speed indicating light does not go on.

Check:

- AC connection to the wall outlet

- Power supply output plug to the input receptacle of the turntable

- Power supply output, i f no output replace the fuse inside.

…if the turntable does no t s tart and the speed indica ting light goes on

Check:

- Drive belt

- Motor connection plug for a broken wire

- Drive module for a broken wire

- Defective drive module

…if the platter is not parallel with the plinth

Check:

- suspension c alibration using the suspension ga ug e

Note: If a relatively important change occurred in one particular suspension module, this could be
the sign of an improperly seated spring or sorbothane ring, analyze each part carefully prior to
calibrating again.

Read: section How to…calibrate the suspension.

…if an even up of down motion can not be obtained when gently pressing on the record
clamp.

Check:

- Levelling of the base

- For the phono l ead interference with the m ovement of the suspension. If uncertain , un p lug

the lead.

- Previous topic:…d o if the platter is not pa rallel with the plinth.

Delphi MK III

Owner’s manual

…if the speed becomes erratic

Check:

- Drive belt to make sure it rides in the center of the motor pulley.

- Motor pulley height ( should be 71mm or 2.800 inches )

- from the top of the pulley and to the acryli c base.

- Lubrication in main bearing

- Drive belt for oil c ontamination

- Drive belt for excessive wear

- For damaged or defective main bearing

- For main bearing contamination

- Motor connection plug for a broken wire

- Drive module for a broken wire

- Defective motor

- Defective drive module

Note1: To test bearing damage or contamination remove the drive belt. Inspect the spindle for
obvious anomalies a t the friction points. Install the platter and spin it gently . Excessive b earing
friction will tend to slow do w n the platter. Since this can happen to various degrees, one way to
determine excessive friction is to watch when the platter comes to a strop, too much friction will
force the platter to move backwards slightly. Having to replace the drive belt more than once a
year could also be a sign of excessive bearing friction.

…for maintenance

- The blue cloth supplied can be used to clean a ll the metal parts, acrylic parts and the mat.
Always use the colth da m pened with water to dust the a crylic parts. Do not use this cloth to
pick up oil spills, keep it for the delicate work.

-Unless contaminated, there w ill be no need to dismantle the main bea ring. If required it is simple
to remove it from the subchassis by unscrewing the 3 socket head c a p screws holding it to the
plinth. Keep in mind there is oil in the bearing assembly hold it straight. Since the oil is
contaminated, it must be thrown away. Remove the 3 socket head cap screws holding the bottom
cover. Clean the thrust pad and the bushing with denatured alcohol. Re-assemble making sure to
secure the screws firmly. Do not forget to add the content of one oil vile ( 2cc ) before installing
the platter.

Delphi MKIII

Owner’s manual

- as a precaution to save the furniture your Delphi sits on, it is advisable to use a folded
paper towel under the main bearing for a few weeks in the event of a bearing spillage.

- the drive belt should be replaced yearly for an optimal performance.

We are confident your new Delphi will give you many years of satisfaction. You are now ready
for the real and only purpose of all this…to sit down and relax , just listen and enjoy beautiful
music.

ORACLE AUDIO TECHNOLOGIES

6136 boul. Bertrand Fabi

Sherbrooke. Quebec

Canada. J1N 2P3

www.oracle-audio.com

Delphi MKIII

Owner’s manual