Sota or Technics


Hello all, first time post here. 
I am in the market for a new TT under 2k. I've narrowed it down to the Sota Comet and the Technics 1200GR.
Going to use a $300 to $500 MM cart. 
System consists of NAD533 TT (currently). NAD pre amp, Cambridge Phono pre amp, Mac 240 amp, TDL compact monitors. 
Sota i like as it uses the 330 tonearm, is built in the states, solid rep, solid support, is pleasing to the eye.
Technics I like as it's built like a tank, seems more plug and play has a good rep and looks good too. (more bells and whistles, both positive and negatives there)
Obviously they are different in some ways. Direct drive vs belt etc..
Was wondering if anyone had an opinion either way on either deck. Greatly appreciate any feedback.
Thank you
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xdoyle3433
I’m normally a fan of belt-drive tables, however, I recently acquired a 1210GR and am very impressed with the sound quality it produces. I’ve owned quite a few turntables including a handful of vintage direct-drive tables. This is the first table I’ve encountered that I feel mostly combines the best sonic attributes of belt and direct-drive. I can only surmise this is due to the core-less motor, or maybe that it allows the user to choose the motor’s torque level (which I set to its lowest). Whatever the case, it doesn’t exhibit nearly as much of the character I previously found objectionable with direct-drives.

Sure, I’d rather have a Palmer or SME 20, but for a mere mortal’s budget, I doubt there is anything better under $2K (my reference is a belt-drive setup that last retailed for over $4K).

The GR’s arm is no slouch BTW. I have a nearly new $800 Jelco arm in my closet that I could fit to the GR but don’t foresee that I’ll ever bother.
find a well cared for Sota Sapphire, decent arm and any of the good already mentioned MM carts mentioned above w addition of the Nakagoka. As you hopefully know, the 240 is the gem, GEM of your system. Tube amps mostly sound like the output transformer and the 240 has transformers rarely bettered today.....hold on to that and keep it running in top shape. PM if you need a referral on doing that.
have fun, enjoy the music. You can see sota w 240 variations on my vintage system page......
Don’t listen to anyone pushing either solution. Everyone hears differently. How you hear, and you alone, must determine which sounds better. To you. For the record, I prefer belt drive, but YMMD.

Audition, audition, audition!
Any Sota Turntable comes with a lifetime trade-in program. As it has been said here -the real magic happens with a full suspension. The Comet V is excellent. Then you can trade up to a suspended chassis model later. 
I'd get neither, and instead buy a music hall mmf-7.3 in walnut with the 2m bronze. Alternatively, replace the bronze with a Goldring Eroica LX moving coil.