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SOTA vacuum or no?

I am considering a new SOTA Sapphire or Nova as a replacement for my VPI Scoutmaster. I am aware of the differences in features between the Sapphire and Nova, but the biggest difference is obviously the presence of the vacuum clamping system present on the Nova. Is it worth it? The price difference between these two SOTA's is about $1400, I think. I am curious as to the reliability of the vacuum system, sonic benefit versus using the SOTA I-clamp or Reflex clamp alone. Also, how easy is the vacuum system to live with? I'd prefer minimal tweaking, if possible. Thanks!
rockinrobin
sirspeedy
738 posts
 
Definitely!Especially if you have a higher resolution set-up.
Good luck
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the only performance reason to change would be to go to the vacuum model. that said, the vacuum isn't necc gonna be a revalation. a cartridge or vpi upgrade might even be an option.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,500 posts
 
I have a Superscoutmaster and even aside from the sound improvement, I think that flattening a record is extremely worthwhile. A flat record permits the arm to travel across the record effortlessly. The quieter the arm movement, the less the cartridge has to deal with riding out those warps. I certainly would always go for a clamping system.
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