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Thoughts on moving from a 1200G to Sota Saphire or above

Two different animals, I know. I’ve read some pretty decent reviews on the Sota’s with the vacuum option and intrigued. We’re always looking for that little extra something, something. I’m interested in retrieving a bit more detail and upping the sound stage. 
Maybe this would be a lateral move? Maybe I should change my cart? Something else? Be happy and spin vinyl? Thanks for your feedback. 
Gear:
Technics 1200G
Ortofon Cadenza Black
Herron VTPH-2A phono preamp
Audible Illusions L2 Line Stage
Levinson 532-H
B&W 803 D2 speakers
AQ McKenzie interconnects for phono

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cfarrow's avatar
cfarrow
94 posts
 
Arm and Cartridge needs changed if want to keep the DD table, I replaced my 1200G twice with Garrard 301 and/or Thorens TD124.  The Technics is a easy table to live with but switching over to the Idler drive tables was instant increase in dynamics and musicality.  To answer your question on the Sota it is and will sound better than the Technics with that stock arm.

Good luck!
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Classic idler like 301 are beautiful indeed, but “musicality” is subjective. 

For better “dynamics” we need a high efficient speakers. 

Turntable drive function is to spin your record on a constant speed. 

Not everyone has an extraordinary hearing ability, especially at certain age. 
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bfoura OP
88 posts
 
“Not everyone has an extraordinary hearing ability, especially at certain age.” I can relate to that Chakster. I do like my table Dionisofun but just wondering if I can up the game. Getting another arm and cart might be an option but that would probably cost me $5k. Need consider if I want to invest that much in the 1200G. One comment I’ve heard more than once with the Sota on this thread is the black background. That sounds interesting. Do other 1200G/GAE owners feel their tables do the same? 
audiogoing64
5 posts
 
I would put my money on the Sota.
1)The vacuum hold down insures a decrease in wow and intimate record contact with the platter. 
2) The Sota suspension will give you insurance airborne and mechanical shock.
3) The Technics will sound incisive and dynamic at first listen, but those are actually distortions of the direct drive system micro-doubling the record groove information. It is fatiguing to listen to after awhile.
4) The Sota’s suspension will cause your tonearm and cartridge of choice to work hard extracting information from your records.
johnss
569 posts
 
If I was looking at dropping 10 large, would be looking at a phono stage upgrade over a table. 
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