SOTA Nova

Hi All, i currently have Sota purchased new in 1999 with SME V and Dynavector XV1's. I am trading it in for the new Cosmos Series IV. Before the Nova i owned a Star Saphire. Steelhead is right. You are getting a top shelf TT for peanuts (so to speak). Look up Paul Seydor's review of the SME 20, SME 30 and Sota Cosmos on the TAS. See Paul Bolin's review in Sterophile as well. I rest my case.
I do not know how someone can live without a vacuum hold down system on their TT. The best, most effective system to flatten a warped record and i mean any kind of warps.
Indeed, Kirk and Donna are a real pleasure to deal with and if you ever have a problem with your TT they will take care of it.
You will not be dissapointed.
Enjoy......

Ill just add to the fan mail for the sota. I have a star III upgraded to a V with the nova bearing and platter. While I like the VPI's the sota sounds as good or better and the periphery clamp is a pain in the a s. Ive never had a problem with the vacuum and Kirk and Donna are great.
good listening

I recently upgraded to the Cosmos IV and have a VPI TNT Jr. The VPI is an excellently designed TT, but the Cosmos is musically and in terms of "involving" me, in a higher league. The same with the Sota Sapphire that I previoulsy owned. A word about Kirk and Donna: I noticed a crack in the wooden chassis of the Sota, which was entirely my fault. Kirk gave me a brand-new chassis, at no charge and refused my offer to pay him for the damages! How do you beat this kind of service? They are two of the classiest people in all of audio and I can't say enough good things about them and their product. Needless to say, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment if I were you, and would buy the Sota.

By the way, I use an Origin Live Illustrious and Shelter 901 on the Cosmos, and they match and sound awesome.

"The bearing was occasionally making a slight ticking noise. That was 2 months ago. I am still waiting to hear from them"

Its true they are not fast on turnaround but this is the price you pay for personalised service and access to the owners. My upgrades took about 3 mos.(including 2 weeks of shipping)However I was able to speak directly with Kirk who walked me through some setup procedures and did some inspection work for no fee. This is the tradeoff with smaller companys. I would rather wait and get the excellent service and workmanship than take my chances as another "number" with a larger service dept. It has also been my experience that very few boutique audio manufactuerers offer
fast service and with most your lucky to get service at all.
Try waiting for something from Clearaudio for example a much larger company with a large chain of distribution. Youd be lucky to get service in 3 mos.
just my $.02