vintage turntables?

How does the sota blanket all the high end 'tables? Since you had this experience with a particular sota 'table, now all high end 'tables are overpriced and bad values.

Not at all, that was my bad, I don't mean to blanket the market like that. I am certain there are tables out there that are well suited and justified their asking prices. I still have my own personal short list. But I have to qualify that my dream turntables are by no means anywhere near prices above 5 digits.

I am just taken by how much good sound you can actually get at these small prices in comparison. I then can only reflect back upon my own experience.

"Consider this, that KAB power supply is a $250 upgrade. I think more engineering effort goes into designing a power supply than a motor mount." As a small scale manufacturer I can tell you $900. doesnt go too far so that may not be a good comparison. However your point is taken, the KAB modded technics gives enormous value. In Sotas case getting that last little bit of performance in anything consumes an exponential expenditure of resource compared to return look at performance cars for example. We find that last little bit of refinement can be 50% or more of the final cost and some customers cant justify that. But if you want to take anything to the extent of its potential that last bit is gonna be expensive.

as it seems you guys are saying, it just seems to me that its more cost-effective to go with something vintage, and also, they have sort of a different vibe to them (might be just me) but its much like a guitar. if your buying an old, well used guitar (or turntable) it seems like it has its own stories, its lived a life already. it has a "soul" so to speak. and i like that about buying the older stuff.

Never disregard the Maplenolle Turntable (Record Player) Line. These tables are reaching 30+ years ; are air driven and offer great value and sota sound reproduction to those that understand and take a hands-on approach. More about Maplenolls's can be found on exsisting threads, should you want a good read.