What is the best tonearm for a SOTA Nova turntable?

VPI can sound a little clinical, but I have used a Classic 3 Signature for awhile now. The older SOTA Sapphire/Star Sapphire were a bit more melodic.  I am thinking about possibly going to an Acoustic Signature model this time, but who knows. By the time I get serious about actually buying a new turntable, things could change.  Hope that the Kiseki meets your expectations and the new upgrades improve your table and your listening pleasure.  Just spend more time listening now and enjoying your music.

Thanks for the VPI info. I read a review of the Kiseki purple heart by Jim Hannon at  TAS and he was pretty impressed, comparing it to some Koetsu’s. The ET2 was one of the arms he used in the review. I have the cartridge mounted but haven’t listened yet. It was a tense install as I received no stylus guard with the cartridge. Now, I need to set tracking force, VTA, and azimuth. I’m savoring this stuff, and listening can wait til tomorrow. I wanted a new cartridge but all of the Kiseki’s are sold out. Needless to say I’m stoked about listening tomorrow

Having your Nova refurbished for $3k plus a tonearm for around $2500(just throwing a number at it) would be a steal. A new Nova with the same tonearm would be $7.5k.  To meet or beat your "renewed" turntable you would have to spend $7k to $$9k. The Origin Live Silver tonearm I put on my Sapphire two years ago was $900. If I ever updated my tonearm the Kuzma 4point9 would be at the top of my list, but I am very happy where I am now.

There is no "Best" choice. SME V and many Rega variations are Great Choice for under $35k......

Audionut51

There are many very good tonearms to be had for way less than your quoted cost of the VPI. Possibly even a used Triplanar or Reed. Certainly a used Dynavector, FR, Victor, or Technics, for examples.