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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
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
Buy a used Technics SP10Mk2 - fantastic machines.  Heres one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Technics-SP-10MK-Direct-drive-turntable-with-WE-308SX-Tonearm-Excellent/154...

Good Listening

Peter
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
@lewm, If you have a direct drive table could you do us a favor? Take the platter off, hover the cartridge over the motor about two inches from the spindle at platter height, turn the motor on and turn up the volume. You hear anything?
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,913 posts
 
Love my SOTA Nova, and agree with mijostyn3 that the Sapphire is where you need to start in the brand. And don't get an ugly oak or black finish; live a little and get it in a beautiful exotic wood! The RB300 or various Jelcos arms are good, or better yet if you find a deal on a used Fidelity Research FR64fx that arm will be amazing on a SOTA.

If you're strictly sticking to your budget and those 2 models, I'd be more inclined to try the Technics. But there are loads of used SOTAs out there and refurb/service options through SOTA too. Just be aware the older Sapphires had a 3-point suspension; the 4-point of Star/Nova models and modern Sapphires is better. But hey, even an old Sapphire will be pretty nice once tuned up.

Don't underestimate the value of SOTA's suspension; you can almost completely screw up your rack/isolation scheme and still be OK with a SOTA whereas the same platform would be a train wreck for other tables. 
sokogear
1,096 posts
 
Tonearm is most important, assuming the table spins at the right speed. You can always add isolation or put it on a wall shelf.

As the OP mentioned it is a Rega RB330, not 300, and this was a nice improvement a few years ago.

I’d get the Sota between the two, but if it were me, I’d go with a Rega P6, or if I could, stretch for the P8 and get an even better arm and table for $2600 if you could get a 15% discount, which are out there. That could be your last turntable.
jaym759
50 posts
 
I am enjoying these posts of Sota vs Technicsh. As a recent owner of a Sota, I should mention that the company has gone through several iterations, but continues with their excellent customer service and products. I did find the discussion incomplete in as much as the newest iterations shows the Cosmos as the top of the line with thicker aircraft aluminum and inclusion of a new 3 phase motor that can be purchased extra but comes with the Cosmos. So I am not sure the Saphire remains top of their line. I do know that the quality of build continues and the stability that mijostyn speaks to compared not only to Technics but many other TTs. I couldn't be more pleased with my Cosmos and can recommend without reservations. 
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