What is the best tonearm for a SOTA Nova turntable?
I haven't played an LP for a while now. I've moved from CD's to streaming both Tidal and my own rips from a Roon Nucleus plus. My SOTA Nova with an ET2 arm has been sitting idle along with hundreds of high quality LP's. I've heard that the ET2 is not a good match with the SOTA, and may be the weak point in my analog chain. (SOTA-ET2-Lyra Kleos -Allnic 1201 phono stage- ARC Ref6- PS Audio-BHK300 amps-Reference 3a Grand Veena speakers and unnamed sub system.
My digital system with a Holo May DAC and Roon with HQP trounces the analog system pretty soundly.
I'd like to resurrect the analog system as I have read that I'm missing out not using it.
My question is, where can I make the most improvement for the least cash outlay?
I'd like to keep the SOTA table, but everything else is expendable.
Thanks in advance for some help.
-John
@ghdprentice Maybe I should have stuck with it? |
@gyneguy225 Have fun with the Kiseki! For Balanced out ( and in ) phono be aware of the Audiospecials Phonolab . Not a tube unit tho... I am their dealer so will refrain from subjective commentary. I do have a gently used demo unit available. |
I'm leaning toward the ARCRef3 phono. It may be expensive but apparently it's the best in the US and holds its value. It's a good mate for my ARC REF6 preamp. For a while, I thought that vinyl was fading, but it seems to be making a comeback. Audio is my hobby. So, I guess it's ok to spend some money on it. I don't drive fast expensive cars. What's a retired 71 yo to do? |
I agree with others on their adulations of the ARC Ref 3/3SE phono stage (I have a 3SE). It will ascend you above the fray of the ~3K phono stages. It was a big difference when I upgraded from $3K stages to this next level. Also my VAC Renaissance SE phono is above the fray, just a different voicing than the ARC and a bit more fidgety with tube rolling :) I also prefer using a quality outboard SUT, even with the 3SE. But it’s absolutely not necessary, and very specific to your cartridge choice. A SOTA Nova with a great vintage arm (ET2, FR64fx, etc) and MC cartridge (your choice - I’ve successfully used many) will absolutely scale brilliantly with a top class phono stage. I know because I’ve tried that. It’s uncomfortably close to my Clearaudio Master Innovation lol. |
I bought a refurbished SOTA Saphire two years ago from SOTA. I had it set up with an Origin Live Silver tonearm and an Ortofon 2M Red(as a placeholder) Donna told me as I was loading it up that my setup could handle any cartridge up to $3k. A few weeks later I swapped out the 2M Red for a SoundSmith The Voice I am a very happy camper.
So my recommendation would be an Origin Live tonearm. SOTA carries Origin Live and Kuzma tonearms. Would recommend discussing which one Donna recommends for your table.
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