SOTA Nova

I too am considering upgrading my current turntable to a Sota Nova.  I have a Systemdek IIX currently.  It is a good sounding turntable (that I already own) and the price and weight of the Nova are a little daunting for my budget.  However, after reading all the superlative posts about Sota, Donna and Kirk, I feel like ordering one and writing them a check in a heartbeat.

Being the proud owner of a SOTA STAR NOVA V / Vacuum platter for the last 10 years has allowed me to set it up and play it with absolutely a problem free experience with no regrets  Can't complain with one replacement belt in that timeframe.  Donna and Co offer some of the best CS in this industry.  They actually pick up the phone.  The upgrade path is always available should you choose to take it.  Some things are just hard to measure and describe with a component of this stature.  This may sound strange however, the level of blackness in the background has to be experienced to understand it  My Lps just do not sound the same on anything else.

@tubed1 Please tell us about your experience & opinions regarding tonearms that are a good match for your table. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank, I run an an old-school gimble bearing Alphason HR100s made with british titanium.  A perfect match for a Koetsu or Kiseki etc..  at 800 POUNDS STERLING, that's 800 quid mate, this tonearm was and still is a giant killer in its heyday.  Audio shows at the time would pass out one of these arms and if you could bend it you were gratis a new Alphason Tonearm.  Needles to say no one could muster the bend.  Tough to find this day and age, Some parts are plastic so make sure it is all there.  If you look and your willing to pay overseas shipping you may just get lucky.  Ebay UK may be your best bet. Johnny at: http://www.audioorigami.co.uk/archive/alphason-hr100-rewire/ is the rewire specialist and rebuilder.  The re-wire can be a nightmare.  Do not attempt this at home kids, unless you are a really brave soul.  Most arms are foamed.  Although I still have great sound with the stock wires I'm sure they have become somewhat brittle,.  I have also heard good results with a high end SME on this deck.