2. analog
  3. 179574-83759

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

gyneguy225
dover
2,229 posts
 

@gyneguy225 

Thats a great outcome

On the SOTA you shouldn't need to do a complete upgrade.

The Nova already has the AC motor with double regulated frequency synthesised power supply - this was a massive improvement on the older DC motor.

I prefer the original bearing ( inverted bearing with sapphire thrust pad ) if its in good condition. When the Sota is transported you must use the transit screws to lift the platter off the sapphire thrust pad - most damage is cased by transporting without the transit screws. Secondly make sure the bearing does not run dry.

If the original bearing is good - you could do the springs yourself.

You could get a basic service - new springs, clean and lube the bearing, check all the vacuum system - hoses, gaskets etc - the air pumps should probably get the internal rubber bellows replaced due to age.

Just bring the Nova up to as new condition - its still a great TT.

gyneguy225 OP
93 posts
 

@Dover thanks for the sota advice. I dread diassembling the turntable. I've done it before when I had my sota star sapphire upgraded to the Nova. I changed out the springs myself back in the 90's, but this time I'll let Sota do it right. I might get the floating platter upgrade at the same time. It will be expensive. So, that's down the road a bit. I just purchased the Kiseki cartridge and Stellar preamp, and my conscience won't let me spend more at present.

fbpearce
57 posts
 

re Audio Research Ref3, anyone using with LOMC, like 0.3 output? 

 

 

mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,866 posts
 

re Audio Research Ref3, anyone using with LOMC, like 0.3 output?

I used Ref 3SE with a couple of 0.3mV Koetsu, it sounded amazing. I still preferred a good SUT w/ low gain mode, but its high gain mode alone was competitive for sure.

Below 0.3mV w/ high gain mode, I noticed noise floor creeping up. It also picked up noise from a plasma TV in the next room over (no such problem when using SUT). So below 0.3mV, or near a plasma TV, I’d definitely switch to a SUT for sure.

I listen loud, and I'm metering at my listening levels - I'm sure other folks will want to respond with "it's graveyard quiet with a 0.07mV Ortofon in my system". It's still the best overall stage I've ever heard, but its high gain mode is not quite the quietest I've heard. 

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