Sota Star Sapphire help

You might have to buy a manual from Sota for $5.00.

You can also get an original packing box from SOTA so you can send it in to them. I do not recall the manual containing any servicing information. However, if you contact Kirk at SOTA he may be willing to spend some time with you to talk you through some steps. One thing about SOTA is they do provide great service.

thanks for the suggestions, I will give them a call and order a manual and hopefully get some tips how to fine tune the suspension as well.

Contact SOTA, they're really helpful. However why do you feel the need to fine tune the suspension? If it looks unlevel it's because the weight of your tonearm and armboard isn't heavy enough. Under the tonearm board is a place to put lead shot (supplied with the turntable) that allows you to balance out the weight. I wouldn't mess with the spring suspension. You can also use the 3 support feet to help level the 'table. But leave the springs alone.

Some of the SOTA tables have adjustment screws on the springs (my old Star did) that allow adjustments of the springs to take up slack or stretched springs, but only as a last resort.

They are designed for mimimal muss and fuss during setup and they stay setup for years. I never had to tweak mine after the dealer set it up. I watch him do it and outside of balancing the arm (with the lead shot) there is nothing else to do except the typical arm cartridge alignment that is necessary with ANY turntable.

One thing you may want to check is to make sure the 2 small bolts on the bottom on either side of the bearing shaft are screwed in to raise the platter. A sudden jolt during transport (from his house to yours) could break the sapphire bearing. Once the table is at your place, you unscrew the bolts just enough to enable the platter to turn. You don't need to remove the platter for adjustments. The table is lubricated at the factory and mine never needed any additional lube. (my first one was 12 years old and as far as I know it's running fine at the new owner's system.

Any further questions? E-mail me. I have some documentation.
Cheers!

I've got the instructions to remove the platter and instructions to adjust motor slipping. Email me if you want them-it's not easy. emfoods@yahoo.com