2. analog
  3. 164560-155971

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
best-groove's avatar
best-groove
842 posts
 
Technics without a shadow of a doubt, penalizes the aesthetics now exploited in abundance by the old versions.
skypunk's avatar
skypunk
499 posts
 
Neither.
hifi28
50 posts
 
I was looking into getting a new TT as well with a budget similar to OP. But I am waiting to refinish the basement before making the final decision. I narrow it down to the Marantz TT-15S1 or the MoFi UltraDeck both come with a good MM cart and has very good reviews.
yyman23
146 posts
 
Technics all the way. I own a 1200G because I found a great deal on it. I did consider the GR before the G popped up. It will last forever, it's always ready to work, in my opinion it's gorgeous to look at and most important - it sounds amazing. Very easy to switch head shells as well.
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 
I would recommend upgrading your speakers to SALK Song3 Encore towers.  However, they are $6,000 and well worth the cost difference.  I met Jim Salk at the RMAF two years and I thought these sounded better than a pair of $60,000 speakers down the hallway.  However, he was playing these through tub mono blocks and perhaps the mono blocks made them sound so incredible.  Maybe there is something to be said for tube amplifiers.  They do sound warmer.  However, they do require more maintenance and the cost of replacing tubes.  Not sure how mono blocks work.  Are they two channels of mono to create stereo?  I am sure this gives me away for being such a rookie.  There are so many incredibly knowledgeable people in this group and I am sure they could explain this to me.  Bear with me.
More to discover