Turntable Advice?


My SOTA Star Sapphire motor has gone bonkers, so I'm planning its replacement.  Hoping to get some thoughts on my options - I think some of you enjoy a challenge like this.  Major components are Aerial 10T's, Classe 6 Mk II pre-amp, Classe DR-150 amp.  Primary listening is well-recorded jazz, blues and solo guitar.

I could either re-use or sell my SME V arm.  I'm hoping I won't have to shell out more than another $1,500 either way.  Here's what I'm thinking:

1)  Get a new table and cart for the SME, have it all set up by a local pro
2)  Buy an old SOTA and cannibalize the motor
3)  Sell the SME V and go with:
  • New Music Hall mmf-9.3 with Goldring Eroica LX (no head amp needed - Classe has a MC input)
  • New Music Hall mmf-9.3 with upgraded cartridge (suggestions?)
  • Rega RP6 with Exact 2 cartridge
  • Clearaudio Concept or Emotion w/ dedicated arm and cartridge
  • Used table/arm (as long as it's durable)
This is admittedly a very wide-ranging list of options, but I'm all ears.  What would you do?  Thanks in advance!
keegiam
Get a new motor from SOTA. Keep the SME V arm. How's your cartridge doing? I just saw the ad in Stereophile for the new line of AT OC9 mc cartridges - quite reasonably priced!
roberjerman

+1 on the new motor from SOTA.

OP, none of the turntables mentioned have a tonearm as good as your SME
Turntables are very basic and easy to fix.  SOTA has excellent customer service and sells parts for their legacy tables.
Might talk to Sota if they make a conversion kit with the new Phoenix motor controller/motor.  They are ones selling it.

Enjoy the ride
Tom