2. analog
  3. 166861-98013

SOTA NOVA, HR-X VPI, Technics 1200G recommendations?

I am considering SOTA NOVA, used HR-X VPI and Technics 1200G TTs. I have an old SOTA STAR with vacuum, (and essentially a Jelco 750 arm-retipped Denon 103R) so I know its high quality and durability. Technics apparently has performance that far exceeds its $4000 price tag. For tonearms, I am down to Jelco 850M and old FR-64S. I am considering low compliance cartridges. For VPI, it would be JMW 12 or 3D. Changing the tonearms seems to be more of a hassle on VPI. What are your thoughts and recommendations?
128x128chungjh
lewm
12,852 posts
 
Yes, if you insist upon using a "crappy" rack, the SOTA suspension will help. And if you have a lot of warped LPs, vacuum clamp or peripheral ring will help. Also, if you are testing nuclear warheads in your listening room.
chungjh's avatar
chungjh OP
265 posts
 
I have a good rack and I am the only one in the listening room. I have been reading about the Micro Seiki RX5000/FR64S combination. Some people love them, others not so much. What do you think? Are they worth the price? 
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
You will have to decide for yourself however:
FR64S while not perfect is a GREAT arm for the $ and also seems to bring out good in almost all carts which is unusual. I use one everyday...

RX5000...well have you found a good one, in great condition, that is affordable in context of your other choices?
I have not had an RX5000. I did used to own RX1500 but it was easily eclipsed by the STST direct drive tables ( which I now sell - caveat )
Sounds like you are on an analog adventure :)
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,480 posts
 
@lewm and just what do you think Smashing Pumpkins is at 100 dB 🤯
The Sota not only isolates you from a bad rack but everything else that is going on in the room...like the music.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,480 posts
 
@mulveling , even the light FR arm is a tank and will be too heavy for many fine cartridges. Not only that but in reality they are not the best designs. Removable head shells are a terrible thig to strap a tonearm and cartridge with. Not only do they add unnecessary contacts but they add mass right where you do not want it forcing you add more mass at the other end of the arm increasing the arm's moment of inertia ruining it's ability to follow record undulations. It is easy to add mass to an arm for a stiffer cartridge, not so easy to take it away. It is always best to start with a light arm. They are static balance arm thus the VTF changes with elevation and the bearings are high above the record surface increasing warp wow. There are so many excellent arms out there now that have none of these problems, Origin Live, Reed, Schroder, Tri Planar and more. The Origin Live Encounter is an excellent arm at $1500.00 
More to discover