SOTA Nova

I own a SOTA, my dad owns a Scoutmaster, I think the SOTA is more musical and I love the Vac platter, the VPI sounds great but I prefer the SOTA. The Vac is much easier to use then the VPI clamp (plus they cost a fortune) and the SOTA has a suspension while the VPI has none, all in all I feel the SOTA is a better value but you would be probably happy with a VPI.

I currently have a Cosmos I and a Star III. Have owned the Nova and I think the ability to adjust the vacuum level manually is a big plus.The auto sensing circuit in the Nova and Cosmos sometimes needs to be adjusted and it is a little more difficult as you have to open up the pump unit.I have had half a dozen Sotas and the Star is my favorite.The difference in sound between this and the Nova will be negligable,and used the tables are worth about the same.The Star is what they have been famous for throughout history.

thanks for input. Yeah, I called VPI and really wasn't impressed with them. I do like the sound of the tables but SOTA seems amazing when I've called. They e-mail back are very friendly and willing. That's what I like.

Most importantly though, the sound. I'm unable to listen to them but everyone tells me go for it!!! You will NOT be disappointed with the NOVA. So here I go...

Don't fear bro, The SOTA's are kick ass good.

I have never "come back" to vinyl as I "never left". I have owned Garrards, JVC's, Thorens 125 and 126 (still have the 126), have a lot of chair time with friends and heard all kinds of working man's wages types of tables, Dual, Empire, Sony, Technics, etc, and when I got a plain old Sapphire a few years back, I found a great table at a wonderful price/performance ratio.

So much so, that I have a Cosmos in right now being brought up to the Series IV. That is it for me, I am done, and I elected not to trade in the sapphire for credit towards the Cosmos/upgrades as I don't want to part with it.

No knock on VPI as they have been in the game a good long time and have a dedicated group of adherents and by all accounts they are great tables. I would actually love to compare/contrast if I had the chance.

But from experience SOTA is a class act all the way around. A great product from a great company.

Have Fun!!

I've owned a series 3 deluxe for about 10 yrs. It began life as a Star but was upgraded in 92 at Romeoville. Last year the power unit developed a loud hum and had to send it for repairs. I bought mine used with mounted sme-v arm for about 2k. Have since replaced the original sumiko cartridge with a goldring Excel VX with good results. I recently sent the whole rig up to Illinois for a complete checkout and upgrade recommendation. The bearing was occasionally making a slight ticking noise. That was 2 months ago. I am still waiting to hear from them.