SOTA vacuum or no?

It is actually the superior way a vacuum seal allows an LP to maintain "total constant/consistent pressure" at all points of the platter,that makes this the best way to clamp a disc!
This way,there can be no minute seperation of lp with platter surface,which can/will be audible with the finest cartridges/phonostages/systems.Logical and audible,but the non vacuum tables can still be quite good,so think it through for your choice.

Best

Okay, it sounds like a vacuum system is definitely preferred to using a center clamp alone. I wonder how the VPI periphery ring clamp and center weight compare to the SOTA vacuum system in terms of effectiveness in flattening non-flat records. I read somewhere about the ring clamp "killing the musicality" of vinyl playback, but that does not seem logical at all to me. A flat record would seem to be more ideal than a non-flat one, regardless of the mechanism of obtaining flatness.

I like my VPI in general, but I'm not too crazy about the JMW9 Sig tonearm, hence my interest in another table. I could maybe swap out my arm for another one, but the VPI rigs seem to be synergize best with their own brand of arms attached. I could use virtually any arm on a SOTA (SME, Origin Live, etc.). Besides, the well-engineered suspension on a SOTA, attractive wood cabinetry/fit&finish, and apparently great customer service from SOTA are drawing me to the company. Even after selling my Scoutmaster, I'd need to come up with a chunk of change for a SOTA Nova and arm, so I want to think it through and take my time. Should I take the plunge and do it?

Consider resale value here as well. Also, while having more flexibility in arm matching, it would be erroneous to think you could use virtually any arm with a SOTA.

That being said the SOTAs are great values. I had a NOVA Series V and enjoyed it very much.

FWIW, I have been very happy with the Souther arm mounted on my Star. Once the thing is set up (just follow the instructions and do not get in a hurry) it has its peculiarities, but is utterly reliable and makes for uncannily quiet groove noise. Be warned however, this arm is not for cartridge swappers, which is the main reason reviewers don't use it more.

I have a Basis Debut vacuum. The vacuum feature is easier to use than even a plain old clamp. Just put the record on the platter, put the center "clamp" (actually a seal) on the spindle and flip a switch. You don't even have to tighten the center clamp. With some warped records one does have to push down the edge of the record, but otherwise it is a no hassle feature.

Periphery rings are a big pain in the ass. Also, they are a disaster waiting to happen (accidentally bumping the stylus with the ring). That said, I know of a number of people who insist that the rings improve the sound even when one is using vacuum clamping (I never personally tried this).