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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
doyle3433
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
The "sound of a turntable" is the sound of a cartridge (first). Owned SP-10 mk2, SP-20, modified SL1200mkII (for over 25 years) and big collection of cartridges and tonearms, I still have no idea what is the sound of the drive itself. Each time I change a cartridge or tonearm the sound is different. I ended up using another direct drive (Luxman PD-444) because in my opinion this is the best "integrated" DD, I mean the one with a "plinth" you can’t change, designed for two tonearms. But again, once the arm/cartridge is changed the sound is different, so I don’t understand when people are talking about the sound of a turntable drive itself. I wouldn’t change any of my reference DD turntables (currently Lux PD-444, Victor tt-101, Denon DP-80) for a Belt Drive. Superb usability and long life is about Direct Drive type. Lower or higher torque DD doesn’t matter for me, they are all great.

Technics EPA-100 mk2 is one of the best tonearms ever made.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Rubbish, it is a boat anchor
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
OMA video about boat anchor plinth for the best Direct Drive available today. Watch here. 
lewm
13,722 posts
 
And the beat goes on…
doyle3433's avatar
doyle3433 OP
349 posts
 
Well to throw a wrench in my original post, I ended up going with neither. I had the opportunity to borrow a friend's MoFi Ultra deck and ended up loving it! so that's what I brought into my cave. I am more than pleased with it. Super solid build quality, amazing dynamics. Its warm and revealing. I'm playing discs I haven't listen to in years. 

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