They are both good tables there are tradeoffs to both the better tonearm on the sota will be a major sound upgrade over the technics arm as well as the wood base of the sota will impart a more warm natural sound sound on acoustic music but if you listen to driving music the technics will probably please more.
Sota or Technics
Hello all, first time post here.
I am in the market for a new TT under 2k. I've narrowed it down to the Sota Comet and the Technics 1200GR.
Going to use a $300 to $500 MM cart.
System consists of NAD533 TT (currently). NAD pre amp, Cambridge Phono pre amp, Mac 240 amp, TDL compact monitors.
Sota i like as it uses the 330 tonearm, is built in the states, solid rep, solid support, is pleasing to the eye.
Technics I like as it's built like a tank, seems more plug and play has a good rep and looks good too. (more bells and whistles, both positive and negatives there)
Obviously they are different in some ways. Direct drive vs belt etc..
Was wondering if anyone had an opinion either way on either deck. Greatly appreciate any feedback.
Thank you
I am in the market for a new TT under 2k. I've narrowed it down to the Sota Comet and the Technics 1200GR.
Going to use a $300 to $500 MM cart.
System consists of NAD533 TT (currently). NAD pre amp, Cambridge Phono pre amp, Mac 240 amp, TDL compact monitors.
Sota i like as it uses the 330 tonearm, is built in the states, solid rep, solid support, is pleasing to the eye.
Technics I like as it's built like a tank, seems more plug and play has a good rep and looks good too. (more bells and whistles, both positive and negatives there)
Obviously they are different in some ways. Direct drive vs belt etc..
Was wondering if anyone had an opinion either way on either deck. Greatly appreciate any feedback.
Thank you
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- 90 posts total
I have been considering the same purchase. Done a lot of soul searching; evaluating, and discussion with people familiar with turntable design and performance. Personally, of the two choices, I like the SL-1200GR for a variety of reasons. Overall the weakest link in that chain may be the tone arm. Considering the other elements in your system, I think that any weaknesses associated with the TECHNICS arm, are so miniscule, that side by side, considering the use of the same cartridge in both, The TECHNICS still comes out ahead. Also if your pair it with a GRADO "SONATA 3" cartridge. Very easy to set up with the SL-1200GR table. I believe that you will not be disappointed in the outcome. One thing in addition: If you really want to get the most out of any TT and cartridge setup, I strongly suggest you look into a serious record cleaning/restoration system. The KIRMUSS system is a little pricey and almost nightmarish to use, however, if you have the patience, the outcome will astound you. A "dirt cheap" second choice, which I have tried and was quite surprised at the quality of the outcome, was a combination of a RECORD DOCTOR VI, and a bottle of TTVJ ENZYME GOLD record cleaning solution . With a little thought and practice, the resulting outcome will be surprisingly close to that achieved with the KIRMUSS, at a fraction of the price. Still a little laborious, however. Take any record that does not display signs of excess groove wear, and use on of the deep cleaning methods I have mentioned, and the resulting playback quality, will sound amazingly similar to mag tape. |
It’s a big deal to build nice quiet direct drive motor. Production requires lots of work and investments so it should cost different figures at exhaust. This is why Direct Drive from Matshushita (Technics/Panasonic) is the best in the world, they are making direct drive turntables since the 60’s. DD in SL1200GR is CORELESS DIRECT DRIVE, the best you can get today. You’d better read before you post. Specific turntable recommended in this thread, not just a DD in general, it's the latest Direct Drive from Technics. |
- 90 posts total