Rega P3 vs SOTA Comet III


Looking at a turntable upgrade...going from the base Pro-Ject model (essential), and have narrowed it down to a Rega P3 (current model with RB330) or a SOTA Comet (series III with RB 300). The Rega comes with an exact 2 cart and can be had for $1,100, the Comet, being a series III feels like a steal at $600, but comes without a cartridge.

For context, system is:

Vandersteen 3a signatures, powered by audio research D300, Denon 4700h pre, and Pro-Ject tube box phono stage.

So all things considered, Rega P3 vs Sota Comet series III? I respect this forum and grateful for any feedback/opinions.

128x128mattsaunders2000

+1 for the SOTA, but I would change the Rega arm to an Audomods arm, with a one piece harness and KLE Innovations RCA plugs

I’ve had the older Series III with the Micometer VTA Adjustment for about 12 years and never looked back

  • its one of the few arms out there where the anti skate actually works as advertised

The new Audiomods arms are even better - even has  Azimuth Adjustment now

Regards - Steve

Late response, but I figured I'd chime in. I have the P3 and replaced the Exact cart. To my ears, it accentuated surface noise, the bottom end wasn't as robust as I wanted, and the highs were too high. I replaced it with a Denon 103. Huge difference! Almost all surface noise has been diminished or eliminated with the Denon. It just sounds better to my ears. I'm in the market for a new TT and Sota is at the top of my list.  

I bought the Sota Escape , I almost pulled the trigger on a P3.   The Rega was nice, I listened to one locally.  

For not much more I bought the Sota.   The Escape has a Sapphire bearing and the Condor Motor controller. 

I bought an open box and saved $600.   It was equipped with an Origin Live Silver arm which is really nice.   It is a little more than the Comet 

I love this table.   I have been playing a ton of LPs and it sounds great.