Calling all Sota fans.

@cleeds, I have seen a Helix but not heard one. I am very familiar with MinusK platforms. The Helix is a MinusK platform with turntable stuff mounted on top. My enthusiasm and endorsement is based purely on the Dohmann's design characteristics. It has or will have all of the features I care about in a turntable. Others may have different criteria or prefer taking advice from other people. 

Yes, finally. I put my deposit in 8 months ago and I sold my old Sota at about the same time. This is the longest period of time in my entire life from the age of 4 that I have not been able to play a record. Boggles the mind.

On this image we can see two partners. Who is Mr. Gusew ?

“Mark teamed up with a close friend who was highly skilled with electronics and who shared similar tastes in music and sound reproduction. Together they designed and built their first reference turntable called the “CONTINUUM” by Döhmann and Gusew.”

-from Döhmann BIO

* With surname like Gusew he must be Russian?

The first belt stretched out in a year or two. Then I figured to add a little manual spin boost before every play. Second belt +35 years.
Donna will probably be at Axpona.
It looks like they will have a room this year besides Expo Hall.

mijostyn

... I put my deposit in 8 months ago and I sold my old Sota at about the same time. This is the longest period of time in my entire life from the age of 4 that I have not been able to play a record.

Arrrrgh! I hope you get your new table soon, @mijostyn.

I have been a big SOTA fan since the launch of the Sapphire in the early 80’s. We were one of the initial dealers. A typical SOTA left the shop with a Sumiko or Souther arm and a Dynavector Ruby. My brother still runs the 1983 table w minimal adjustment and tuneups, it has a MMT with Ortofon Black MC… lovely still…

I bought several years ago  a Sapphire at auction from a widow. TT had at some point been dropped so it was shipped direct to Donna at SOTA for repairs and upgrades of which many ( mentioned above ) were possible. Replaced springs, bearing, upgraded motor ( should have bought Eclipse then, will do that soon ). Platter mat, new belt. I had the arm Sumiko FT-3 rebuilt and rewired w top Cardas by another vendor. I currently use a Hana ML until I sort out the upgrade path. Sonics are dark black background, excellent drive, speed stability/pitch good, the HANA is a polite MC.  I have a Brinkmann Bardo on HRS base w Triplaner and a Lyra, so no stranger to good sound. The SOTA represents superb vale, sonics and great service.
enjoy the music
Jim