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Turntable

I`d like an opinion from my right on target forum members😊  I want a better T/T my present T/T is the Ariston RD40 with a Rega 300 arm. the cart is a very in expensive Ortofon mm cart.  My budget is 3k. I`m looking at a used Sota Nova or a new Sota Sapphire-V welcoming suggestions please." HAPPY HOLIDAYS"

sheridanmartinj
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

No need to change the Rega arm right away! Just add a better mc cartridge. You can do that before purchasing a Sota TT. A Hana EL is an easy recommendation. That on your Ariston would be a significant upgrade.

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Anyway why spend $3K? The new Technics for $1800 is excellent! Direct drive is better than belt drive. Money saved can go to a new mc cartridge.

mr_m
1,900 posts
 

"Direct drive is better than belt drive."

In the grand scheme of things, that's simply not true.

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 

@sheridanmartinj @mijostyn is an extremist (in a good way 😉) and obviously didn't see your $3K budget. But he does raise a good point that the Eclipse/Condor can be added later when budget fits for that. 

As a Nova VI owner, I almost jumped on a series V, but learned from Donna at Sota that the new VI series improvements are NOT all available on the V and older tables. That led me to wait for a new VI, and live with a lower cost arm for now. I want to leverage Sota's long term upgradeability and with a VI, you should be compatible with any improvements likely to come in the next decade or so. 

If there are any refurb VI series available that would be smart. Another option is to ask her if there are any B-grade plinths available. I saved ~$200 getting a walnut plinth with a tiny imperfection that you can barely see if looking for it! Cheers,

Spencer
My advice: Call Donna! Cheers,

Spencer

rn102198
2 posts
 

Your best bet is to get a Mobile Fidelity ultra deck tt with an ultra gold mc cartridge.I  have one and wouldn't settle for anything less for the money. The tt cost $1,999 and you can settle for for a master tracker  mm cartridge for an additional $800.00  ( the mc cartridge costs $1,400.00).. It is belt driven which doesn't vibrate like direct drive and the belt is installed on the outside so it's super easy to set up and change (if you have to). I have used the same belt for over 2 years now with no problems and it sounds great.  Go online and look up Music Direct to see what you're getting. While you're at it, take a look at their mobile fidelity original master recording Lp's. You will be very happy with the sound and it's comparable to any tt 5k and up. Music direct is the parent company for mobile Fidelity.

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