SOTA vs VPI (or stick with my Rega?)

@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!

I don't have any experience with the Origin tonearms, so can only offer one observation.  The JMW arm on the Prime has VTA on-the-fly.  I consider this the single most important feature any tonearm can have.  Even a minute adjustment can make a huge difference in the quality of playback.  This is because no two records are precisely the same thickness; that makes any fixed VTA adjustment an inherent compromise.  I have fooled around with the VTA feature on the JMW and found it to be smooth, easy and repeatable.  Precisely what you want.  The VTA on my Graham is a bit too stiff for my liking, but holds the setting perfectly and really lets me dial in the XX2.

I'm personally pretty picky on this stuff, so may not be a particularly good touchstone for you on certain fine points.  I believe that the cartridge has to compliment the speakers, the tonearm has to allow the cart to perform to its maximum capacity and the table has to spin reliably, precisely and silently.  Bear in mind that the beauty of tables like SOTA and VPI is that you can change arms & carts freely to find the synergy that pleases you.  I like the SOTA approach to the table, but given the choice you've presented, I'd tend to favor the VPI because of the arm that's on it presuming everything else is equal.  

Note that the JMW is not an easy retro-fit to SOTA; requires modification of the plinth.  Not something I'm in favor of.  That means VTA-OTF options for SOTA are reduced by one very good tonearm manufacturer.

Like I said, I'm picky so these things are important to me.  Consider how important they may be to you.  None of this stuff is cheap and you want to make sure you get something that makes you happy for some time to come.

Why not stay with Rega and move up the ladder since you like the Rega sound. You don't mention your budget but I am sure you know Rega makes wonderful turntables way above the Planar 3.

All the tables you mention are fine. I love the sound of my Clearaudio Performance and if one day I want to improve on that I will stay with Clearaudio. I know their design philosophy and know how to sit them properly.

Whilst technically i agree about the VTA setting you have to ask yourself this question: Are you a Lover of Music or infinate tinkering?
There is no right or wrong answer. That just identifies you as a listener.

I have a Lyra cartridge which is super fussy about set up. I have set up VTA (by ear !) using one of my faviourite records and have left it at that.

Of course every record is different from the others in terms of its thickness but when i place it on my table all I want to do is listen to the Music.
    

My VPI has served me well for years, since I upgraded from my old Ariston deck...very happy with it.  Good luck.