SOTA vs VPI (or stick with my Rega?)


I currently have a Rega Planar 3 (2016) with a Dynavector 10x5 that suits me and my record collection (mostly reggae, afrobeat, and jazz) but have been thinking about a turntable upgrade as my vinyl collection continues to expand.

Initially, I considered just a simple Groovetracer subplatter and upgraded counterweight, but am not sure if that is worthwhile. So now I've expanded the search to include a used SOTA Sapphire V or used VPI Prime/VPI Classic. I like the Rega's "PRAT" and no-nonsense design, but would be interested in getting more detail and cleaner, deeper bass out of my vinyl.

Any suggestions/advice/thoughts and alternatives welcome. THANKS!
For reference, my system consists of a Hegel H-160, Vandersteen Treos (non CT), Rega Planar 3, LFD Phonostage LE, and Dynavector 10x5. 
gritter2
And yes, @tooblue has found a gem.  The SCoutmaster for $1600 is a great deal.  Be prepared to put that table on Bear Claws or Stillpoint Cones in the same way as the description of the Aries setup.  VPI cone/feet don't work very well.
@gritter2 - having gone down the road you are considering here is a link to all of the mods I completed on my Rega Planar II

http://image99.net/blog/files/category-turntable-mod0027s.html

Basically - I have replaced EVERYTHING! - the only thing left is the cover and the on/off switch.

It sounds fantastic, but it was a very long and $$$ journey - however I learned a lot along the way

Would I do it again? - NO

I've not heard VPI or SOTA TT's, but I think I might lean towards those brands

Another fine looking TT is the Music Hall mmf 7.3 - I think this would get a lot of my attention

Having said that - the best Rega mod's I have tried (in order) are...
- Audiomods Classic II tonearm
- ISOsub GT 2 S UPGRADE SUB PLATTER  Upgrade
- SRM/TECH Acrylic Platter  Upgrade

Hope that does not muddy the waters for you :-)

Regards - Steve


I went from a Rega Planar 2 with a DV 23R to a SOTA Sapphire III with a Magnepan Unitrac I and another DV 23R.  I've never looked back.  Never had to add any tweaks; the suspension is nearly faultless and the build quality is superb.  Playback is neutral and fully detailed.  I use the Reflex clamp which seems to do pretty well and went with a Vinyl Flat instead of going to a vacuum system.  Way less expensive and much more compact;-)

SOTA is great to work with, too.  When my Unitrac died, they made it very easy and inexpensive for me to refurb the table to take advantage of the Graham Phantom I'd decided to go with.  Got the series V platter and bearing, a custom arm board and new suspension.  With the DV XX2 Mk II, I feel like I'm extracting just about everything that's on the vinyl.

You pays your monies and takes your chances, but I strongly recommend the value proposition that SOTA delivers.  That said, both VPI and SOTA are outstanding tables and you won't go wrong with either one.

Good luck & happy listening!
@effischer
Yes that’s definitely an important consideration you've pointed out. I’ve had tables on very suboptimal stands/floors before, and the 4-point SOTA suspension works wonders to prevent all kinds of problems you’d otherwise suffer. In my home, the ClearAudio decks basically require a high-end rack under them.

The SOTA suspension is not like those lightweight, way too unstable/springy suspensions you see in other tables - it’s much better.

You’ll be a bit more limited in what arms you can mount on suspended tables, but the SOTAs can handle a bit over 2 lbs, which covers the vast majority of arms. My Fidelity Research FR64fx (pretty heavy) makes the cut, but the 3 lbs FR64S monstrosity doesn’t.
@effischer @mulveling What are your thoughts on the Origin Live Silver MK3A tonesarm? This is currently being bundled with a 2016 SOTA Sapphire V. Seems promising. 

I also just found a used VPI Prime (single owner trade-in) through a dealer at a fair price. So both options are on the table.

Thanks again for all your input. Appreciate it!