SOTA STAR Sapphire Turntable Care and Feeding

@mijostyn Curious about your comment on the Hana cartridges. I thought that the Red and the Blue have the same stylus and cantilever. Just wondering what the differences are that you mentioned. I know it is a bit off topic here, but I just ordered a Blue and was curious. Thanks.

The Hana Blue is slowly becoming by those with a broad experience, the suggested Cart' to replace another well known Cart' Brands Upper End Models.

The cost of the Blue and the outcome of comparisons, makes the Blue as an option a viable consideration. 

It is also becoming a Cart' seen used on very expensive Vinyl Set Up's at Audio Shows, further reinforcement for the models capability. 

The Blue is an attractive option for a Cart' and I am confident will be very much enjoyed. 

@cbrez 

You are entirely correct and I apologize. The Blue has the same cantilever and stylus as the Red. 

@jrcotner 

CRC brake cleaning fluid and Electronics cleaner are virtually the same stuff! You can use either. Both are excellent at removing oils. Without a smart phone or any way to know how much you use your turntable I would certainly replace the belt every three years or sooner.

The MP 500 and 1042 are in the same price range as the lower Hanas.

To check TT Speed it is best done with a Standalone Strobe. 

The Standalone Strobe will show speed fluctuation. 

I am with first hand experience where the Standalone Strobe can also detect eccentric rotation as well.

The inbuilt Strobes on TT's will  in general not be as informative as the Standalone option.