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Any Sota Sapphire experts out there?

I've recently purchased a used Sota Sapphire series 3 on which I installed an SME series V arm. I have to say, this 'table almost blows my VPI Scoutmaster with many improvements (including 10.5 arm and periphery ring) out of the water. Deep, tight, effortless bass. Tracks anything. Extremely musical.
However, I can't seem to find any basic maintenance information for the table. Specifically, spindle bearing lubrication, what kind, and how. And motor bearing lubrication, same, what kind and how? I need some tips on these assemblies; how do I disassemble to access for cleaning, oiling, etc?
Surely, some of you Audiogoners can lead me in the right direction... (The Sota folks are nice, but seem that they would much rather me send them the table for inspection and upgrades; I just want to know how to maintain the gear I own.)
seantock
ryanpeck
1 posts
 
Sean, I'm about to embark on replacing the arm on my series III star sapphire with an SME IV and was wondering if you found a step-by-step guide to balancing the suspended chassis. Any advice? I've never replaced an arm before on the turntable and wanted to know whT I'm in for!
Thanks
smoffatt
205 posts
 
I had a Star Saphire then Nova then Cosmos IV since 1988 and had the SME V on all 3 with no balancing/spring issues. Still have my Cosmos but with a still heavier Graham Phantom II with no sagging issue at the rear right side and that with a stiff Stealth Hyperphono cable attached to it.

Great sounding TT. You would have to spend quite a bit more on a German made TT to get better sonic performances…..in my opinion.
derekw14
13 posts
 
Hi - could you elaborate on why you preferred the Phantom to the SMEV? I am curious of the sonic differences, or is it also ease of use? Many thanks.
derekw14
13 posts
 
By the way, excuse my lack of knowledge, but was the Graham a direct fit for the Cosmos (SME adapted?) armboard, or you had to use a different armboard?
effischer
560 posts
 
@derekw14 You have to get a new armboard from Sota to fit the Phantom.  Totally different mount from the SME.  Also, you need a right-angle DIN IC for the Phantom to get everything to fit without interference.  

As far as SME V versus Phantom performance, the Phantom has one feature the SME can't match:  VTA on-the-fly.  IMO, that's the single most essential feature for extracting maximum performance out of any vinyl playback system.

Good luck & happy listening!
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