Sota+SME IV=Ugh !!!

I agree that the Sumiko Celebration is a good option. It was designed using an SME V arm. I had the combination until I recently bought an AirTight PC-1. There is a well written review of the Celebration in an old issue of TAS. The Celebration, IMO, is slightly warm of neutral and has good bass performance and detail. It does not overly extended in the high frequencies and I think it is a good value for about $2K.

All,
Thanks so much for sharing your opinions – there are several options here that I’m sure I would be very happy with.

A few things I would like to present/clarify:

First, I apologize for the misleading title on this forum post caused by not hitting the caps key when punching the =+ key. I meant to title it “Sota+SME IV+Ugh !!!” which was my way of putting forth my struggle in identifying the cartridge I’d like to have with my table and arm rather than “Sota+SME IV=Ugh !!!” which implies I’m having issues with my Sota/SME combination. That is so far from the truth; I couldn’t be happier with that combination.

Secondly, I specified “wood bodied” knowing that non-wood bodied cartridges would also meet my prerogatives. Why did I do this? I simply like stuff made of wood, like why I was attracted to Tannoy’s Prestige line and a Sota TT - their wood work is absolutely beautiful.

Anyway, I’m pursuing a Grado Reference for its characteristics and price point. I realize that the sum of my components, including the addition of the Grado, probably add up to overly warm. For me, this is what I’m looking for, really. I’m so fond of the distant memories I have of my father playing his tube equipment back in the day when that warm lush sound was so prevalent. I guess I’m trying to re-create that joy.

Thank you.

I’m pursuing a Grado Reference for its characteristics and price point.

I would be cautious about the possibility of hum pickup, which the Grado's are prone to with SOME turntables, due to the lack of shielding that results from their wood construction. I used a Grado Sonata for a time with my SOTA Sapphire (from 1983 and still going strong!!), and there was a slight hum whenever the cartridge was moved into position above the rotating platter. By "slight" I mean that it was completely inaudible when music was playing, while being a little bit above the threshold of audibility at the listening position with no music playing and the volume control at typical settings.

Regards,
-- Al

My friend has the SOTA, SME V combo and its awesome. He runs Clear Audio but I think he recently upgraded cart, I will verify tomorrow.

Thanks Al - What arm did you have the Sonata mounted to? Do you think the arm/Grado combo caused the hum or do you think it was the Grado alone?

Thanks, Randy