Recommendations for Sota Star

I have used a Souther SLA-3 for many years with my Star. The Souther fits the Turntable design well, and after the set up (a pain) is very stable and reliable. It does require cleaning occasionally, but that is quick and easy.The current cart is an AT-150mlx, and until this year I used a CJ EF-1 as phono pre. The sound is sweet and uncritical, yet very detailed in the mids, like a good British monitor.

Thanks for responding Manitunc –

The SME’s are in the forefront for me. The series V is a bit too pricy, and so the 309 seems to be the logical choice.

Funny you mention the Sumiko Talisman . I once had one (the Alchemist) on a Conrad Johnson Sonograph TT, Sumiko Premier MMT tone arm. CJ pre and power and Vandersteens. I just LOVED that sound and therefore have been considering another. However, that was years ago and I’m not sure how it would stack up to more current models like the Benz or Dynavector.

If you would be so kind as to respond one more time, how would you rate the Sumiko Talisman (was it the Achemist you had?) in comparison to some of the other models you mentioned?

Thank you,

Randy

Samujohn,

Thanks for responding. Honestly, I am not familiar with the Souther SLA-3 but am going to research it.

How did you like your EF-1? There was one for sale on AGon about 2-3 months ago and I wish I had bought it. Currently, I’m posting a “wanted” ad for a CJ phono-pre.

Thanks again,
Randy

"Funny you mention the Sumiko Talisman . I once had one (the Alchemist) on a Conrad Johnson Sonograph TT, Sumiko Premier MMT tone arm. CJ pre and power and Vandersteens."

Wow, what a small world Rbschauman! I had a very similar system to yours but in place of the Sonograph a SOTA Sapphire TT and Threshold amp, all else the same. Of course that was 25 years ago! I currently have a variation of the SME 309 arm, the 345 which is designed with the Oracle tt in mind. I am using a Benz wood LO cartridge with good results, sweet, relaxed, detailed but not at all aggressive, edgy or in your face. This would be in your budget and not in the stratosphere.

The SME's have always been highly regarded with SOTA tables. Good luck in your search.

If your table doesn't come with the mid-level tonearm base (3 models), consider purchasing one. A 309 is a solid choice, you probably will not have to add weight to the suspesion using a 309, the tables are usually set up that way. If your in the States, a new SME can be aquired at a fair discount overseas. A wide variety of cartridges will work on that arm.