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Worth having my SOTA Sapphire refurbished?

I own a vintage 1986, SOTA Sapphire turntable, fitted with a Linn Basik tone arm, with some sort of old, Audioquest cartridge (it has a red housing). After a lengthy remodel, I am finally getting ready to unpack my stereo system once again and get it set up. I have miles and miles of beloved vinyl. :-) My listening room is on the small side. I value transparency and imaging over sheer volume.

Associated equipment includes a PS Audio Elite Plus integrated amplifier (I think it has 70 W per channel). I recently sold my old Vandersteen 2C speakers here on Audiogon (for space reasons in the new house) and am looking to replace them with Regas or Paradigms, probably monitors (but that a whole other question)!

Anyway, the SOTA probably needs some inspecting and tuning. I think that the motor and bearing are okay, but I'm guessing that the suspension springs need adjusting or replacing; I think they're a little stretched out.

SOTA has an inspection and tune-up/repair service. Have any of you ever used it? I'd have to ship the table off to them, and, apparently, pay for return shipping as well (I do have the original box) and the table weighs around 50 pounds in the box.

By the time I do all of this and buy a new cartridge, to boot, I'm looking at quite a chunk of change. Do you think I'm better off selling the SOTA and putting the money toward, say, a new Rega P2? Please, no flames; I've been out of the active high-end scene for many years, so I have no idea how those tables compare.

Anyway, all advice appreciated.
rebbi
smoffatt
205 posts
 
Give Kirk or Donna a call (608-538-3500). You may be able to trade your Saphire for a refurbished or even a new TT at a very reasonable cost.
I have owned several Sota models in the last 20 years. My first one was a Star circa 1985. Ended up trading it in for a Nova. Well engineered and sound incredible. Recently traded the Nova for a Cosmos IV in Cocobolo finish. Stunning!!!!
Arm is SME V but awaiting for Graham Phantom to arrive.
All the best
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Thanks very much to all of you for your wonderful help! I spoke with Donna today and got an RMA number. I"ll be shipping the Sapphire off to them tomorrow. Their lead time on evaluations is running 4-5 weeks at this point. Then they'll call me and let me know what their recommendations and my options are. She was extremely nice, by the way, and was very pleased when I told her about the excellent feedback about her, Kirk and the SOTA tables that I received on Audiogon.

Again, thanks to all of you!
sirspeedy
738 posts
 
I must admit to having just received the "latest" Sota Cosmos last thursday.I have owned various versions of the tables for over twenty years.If one breaks down what is important to vinyl replay,the Sota offerings are amazingly good!At real world prices.

This latest Cosmos series IV,is SO far superior to my previous Cosmos III(which I had NO criticisms of,btw),that it is simply a joy to just "look at"!The attention to fit and finish is fabulous,and the "silence" of the unit in operation far exceeds any previous Sotas I've had.
My surprise came when I tested it out,and found the vacuum pump ran so quiet,it was likened to the silence of my CD player!Here is one example of effective vacuum seal,that can have the pump placed right up to your ear,with NO noise!Amazing!!

I now await a new arm,but have NO doubts the new Cosmos will allow superb LP replay.

Good luck.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,484 posts
 
audiofeil - what in the world is wrong... Did Harry Weisfield run off with your wife??? You find any opportunity to kick VPI. I have been around high end audio for many years. I have listened to most of the high priced components, and let me tell you, my VPI plays music. The VPI arm I have betters my SME V easily. Your deep biased opinions against VPI are getting tiresome. I for one appreciate the information that's bantered around on these posts. Most people are polite and realize that all of this stuff is just opinion. It would be nice if everyone is a civilized.
sirspeedy
738 posts
 
Stingreen,though I find my Sota Cosmos a pleasure,many of my friends have VPI products.Truthfully they are superb,"as you state".

I believe many hobbyists(nobody in particular)liken up to stuff that they,and friends have.From there,the "other" related products take a "little hit",from time to time.Usually with "tongue in cheek"....This happens in my group of audio pals,but it is always in good spirits.Yet,they do give credit to good sound,which is becomming more and more common with so many different equipment combos,these days!

To me,if it sounds good,I like it...period!

Best.
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